DUKE the disabled dwarf bullock who was saved from the bullet by the owner of a calf sanctuary is learning to walk again with the help of a wheelcart built specially for him.

Duke is on the moo-ve thanks to Sharon Lawler, who raised more than £11,000 over four months to have the cart built to get him back on his feet.

Now Duke is over the moon to be back on the grass pushing himself around a field. However, Sharon, who runs the Calf Sanctuary near Malton, admits he is a bit of a liability because he gets too excited and starts to run out of control.

She said: “It is early days he is still getting used to it, but it’s absolutely fantastic to see him dashing about the field after so long.

"When we first put him in it, he just ran at me. I was feeding him grass and he just got quicker and quicker. I couldn’t pick the grass fast enough and was in danger of being run down."

Ms Lawler added: “He has a broken pelvis and possible neurological problems. He can stand a bit and tries to walk like a crab.

"We have a harness for him to help him stand and make sure he doesn’t get internal injuries lying down a lot, but the cart will make such a difference to him and to us."

The appeal to help Duke and the other animals in the sanctuary is ongoing, with a desperate need for funds and volunteers.

Ms Lawler is hoping eventually to be able to open the sanctuary to the public.

“Duke’s facebook page is becoming really popular," she said.

"He is such a sweetheart, he really is the softest animal. The guy who built the wheelcart was really not keen to do it because he didn’t want to work with a bullock, but after meeting Duke he realised he’s just a big softie."

Duke arrived at the sanctuary in March. He had been destined to be put to death after continuing problems following an attack by other cows.

Ms Lawler said: “We just had to try and help him, and it has been a major task. I must admit he has changed our lives totally.

"People have asked why we bother, but Duke has a real quality of life. Not once when the vets have come out to check him have they looked at him and said this animal should be euthanized.

“We will look after him for as long as he lives - he will probably live longer than me."

For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Duke-Bullock/336643826546025