A pot-bellied pig with the winter blues needs help to get back on his feet.

But portly Patch doesn't just need a hand - he needs a winch.

The poorly pig, a five-year-old cross between a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and a miniature pig, will not get up off the floor of his sty.

His owners at the Rescuers' Wildlife Sanctuary, Benfleet, say he has lost the will to live.

If he doesn't get up on his trotters within two weeks, vets say he will have to be put down.

Veronica Mepham, who runs the sanctuary in Watlington Road, said: "We would be very upset if he was to be put down."

A vet told staff that unless he moves, Patch will develop fluid on his lungs. The vet said the best way to help him is to use an industrial winch - like the ones used to hoist engines from cars - to stand the eight-stone pig upright.

This will allow staff to massage him back to health and hopefully encourage him to walk.

Mrs Mepham added: "We are appealing for someone to let us borrow a winch so we can try to help Patch. This is his last chance."

If you can help Patch, call the sanctuary on 01268 752923.