A Beaminster charity is urgently looking for drivers to help transport hens to their new homes to prevent them ending up at the slaughterhouse.

The British Hen Welfare Trust rehomes ex-commercial egg laying hens around the UK who have reached 18 months old and are of no further use to the industry.

The charity is setting up a new site in Beaminster but cannot book in rehoming dates until a driver is found in the area.

Gaynor Davies, Head of Welfare and Operations at the charity, said: “Our 1,200-strong network of volunteers are simply incredible, and we could not do what we do without them. However, we need two fresh teams of helpers who are passionate about animals to help at our new site in Dorset.

“Without them we cannot run our rehoming days, so we’re desperate to get the teams in place ASAP so the lifesaving work can begin in this area.”

Drivers are required to own a 4x4 or other suitable vehicle capable of towing a large trailer and  be prepared to drive a van to and from commercial farms on average 10 times per year.

As well as drivers, the charity are looking for general volunteers for the new rehoming site, including someone to co-ordinate rehoming’s on the day, someone to handle administration tasks, a poorly hen carer who could foster birds that are not fit for rehoming, as well as general helpers.

To find out more and to apply to be a volunteer, visit: www.bhwt.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities.