A hen welfare charity is appealing for people to save hundreds of birds from slaughter by taking them home from Boncath this weekend.

The flock of laying hens, being saved from slaughter by the British Hen Welfare Trust, need homes to go to once they leave the commercial farm.

The charity says that it is appealing for people to provide a home in which their 'feathered friends' can live out their final years in retirement.

The public is being invited to sign up to adopt some hens and then pick the new pets up from Boncath on Saturday, September 18.

Anyone interested in opening their home to hens must register with the BHWT before Thursday, September 16.

Kathryn Howard, PR Officer for the BHWT, said: “I recently went along to an adoption event and it’s truly one of the most heart-warming, life-affirming things I’ve ever been a part of. By adopting hens, you could also be a part of that.

“We don’t tend to think of chickens as pets, but once you invite these funny little creatures into your home, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

"They have great personalities, they can be affectionate, they’re fun to watch and, of course, they’ll lay you the freshest eggs you’ve ever had.

“If you have a bit of space in your garden, you could do something amazing by adopting some hens and literally save their lives.”

The BHWT doesn’t charge a fee for each hen, but does ask for a donation to cover adoption costs and hen welfare campaigning work, such as veterinary and education programmes.

The BHWT was the UK’s first charity to save laying hens from slaughter and rehome them as family pets.

Every year the charity saves more than 60,000 hens and has saved over 840,000 hens since it was established in 2005.

If you’re interested in adopting any of the hens coming to Boncath on Saturday, September 18, visit: bhwt.org.uk to adopt them.

Alternatively, call 01884 860084 for more information.