VOLUNTEERS are being sought to set up a re-homing point to save ex-commercial hens from slaughter.

The British Hen Welfare Trust re-homes 50,000 laying hens every year across the country, but is currently unable to re-home hens in Hereford as it has no host site or volunteers in the county.

The most urgent need is to find a host site in the Leominster area from which the charity can re-home hens every four to six weeks. A barn or stable enclosure with parking area would be ideal.

Gaynor Davies, head of Operations at the BHWT, said: “We have successfully set up volunteer teams across the UK and are now looking to set up a new collection point in Herefordshire.

"Our hens are incredibly popular and you will be helping save lives – what could be more worthwhile than that?

"Not only could the new team change the lives of thousands of hens but it would also meet lots of kind people collecting their new pets. It is an incredibly uplifting and rewarding experience."

As well as a host site, the charity needs volunteers to help send the hens off to their new homes, deal with members of the public and carry out basic admin.

If you could provide a host site or become a volunteer, fill out the volunteer form online at bhwt.org.uk/howtobecomeavolunteer or call 01884 860084 for more information.