AN animal sanctuary based in the Blackdown Hills will be celebrating the arrival of spring with their annual festival.

Families, friends and well-behaved pets can enjoy Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s spring festival on Sunday, April 5.

There will be a range of easter activities available including a schedule of easter egg hunts where seekers can purchase a ticket for £2 to find a toy egg in each of the six colours, arts and crafts in the creative corner, a pop-up charity shop, and food and refreshments available from Perdida café.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a non-government funded charity that has provided refuge and rehabilitation to its animals for more than 85 years. They currently care for more than 300 animals on their 72 acre site.

Amy Rendell, corporate and events officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: “The spring festival is one of our absolute favourite events in the calendar. After the quieter winter months, the Sanctuary is bursting back into life - the fields are greener, the animals are more active and there’s a real sense of energy building ahead of Easter.”

Amy described the festival as a “special opportunity to share the spring atmosphere”.

“Families can explore the grounds, spot the animals and simply enjoy being outdoors together at a time of year that feels full of promise. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for a day of beautiful spring sunshine to help us celebrate in style.

“Most importantly, every visit makes a difference. Events like the Spring Festival help us to raise vital funds to allow us to continue our care for the animals who call Ferne their home. We can’t wait to welcome everyone.”

Tickets are £5 per adult and £3 per child, with an additional fee of £2 per person to join the Easter egg hunt.

For more information, visit: www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org