Furry Friends festive fair

Inside the hall in Station Road, both two-legged and four-legged members of the charity took part in the occasion and were ready to greet all visitors.

Among them were Rusty, Alfie, Henry and Tia, to name but a few.

The event included a range of stalls, from cake sale, plant stall, and handmade cards, but also a stocking filler stall where bargainhunters could snap up gifts for 1.50 or less.

Brenda Deeprose, secretary of Furry Friends, commented: "This is our Christmas fair - our first event since we changed our name to Furry Friends. We used to be part of Canine Concern then we just went as a local group, and with help from Rother Voluntary Action we have gone out on our own.

"It's our first function but it has been very successful...Bexhill 100 Motoring Club always turn up and support us, and the members have rallied round and turned up for us today.

"Since going as a local organisation we have done a lot better and had more support from people.

"We are a lovely team and all pull together."

There are currently eight senior members of Furry Friends and 10 junior, all of whom help take rabbits out to where their calm and cuddly talents are needed - from youth groups such as brownies and guides, right through the residential care homes for the elderly and day centres.

Brenda commented" "When I first started I thought how boring, going out with the rabbits to visit people. I was ill myself at the time and had to give up work. But I found it very beneficial to myself. When you go to a nursery or to see children you see what a calming effect it has...even with the cubs and scouts, those rowdy boys, I have never seen them go so quiet as when you put the rabbits with them."