FERNE Animal Sanctuary in Chard will host its much anticipated annual Spring Fayre this weekend.

The Somerset charity which aims to help animals find their forever homes is inviting people of all ages to the sanctuary on Sunday, March 31.

As the fayre will be held on Easter Sunday, the Easter Bunny will be in attendance, along with an Easter egg hunt around the grounds on the site.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s animal care experts will also be providing exclusive pet talk experiences with the sanctuary’s sounder of pigs and colony of rabbit residents.

A Creative Corner will be set up for kids with a host of activities, as well as fundraising activities in the Visitor Centre which include a tombola with the chance to win prizes.

All entries fund the rescue and rehabilitation of Ferne’s resident animals.

An array of stalls set up by the local community will be present at the fayre, each offering a range of treats to celebrate Easter.

The regional businesses confirmed for the Spring Fayre promise to showcase a variety of products – from homemade handcrafts such as floral arrangements, creative gifts and luxury local produce, to animal-centric companies for wildlife photography and wood-turned animal artwork.

Nina’s Café onsite will be open for a quick refreshment and lunch to keep rumbling tummies at bay.

The entrance fee to the sanctuary is reduced for this special event - £5 for adults and £1 for children.

Kevan Hodges, Chief Executive Officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: “Spring is definitely in the air at Ferne, and we look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to celebrate spring with us and meet the elusive Easter Bunny.

"As always, I want to thank everyone for their support of the charity, both visitors and stall holders at the Fayre.

"Because of them we can continue to give our animals the help and care that they need.”

The sanctuary has also announced its involvement in a virtual balloon race which will take place at midday during the fayre.

Attendants can sponsor a virtual balloon which will race across a simulated landscape for 7 days, powered by real-time weather conditions.

Each balloon costs £3 and can be customised using a variety of patterns, colours, and text. Participants can also change the thickness and helium levels of the balloon depending on the weather.

The balloons will race against other Ferne balloons as well as other participating charities, with prizes for the winner and runner-up.