As summer approaches, the British Hen Welfare Trust is urging Wiltshire residents to open their gardens and provide a home for a group of hens.

The trust is on the road to rehoming its one millionth hen and is now calling on animal lovers to embrace these feathery friends.

It has been dedicated to helping commercial laying hens - of which there are approximately 39 million in the UK - find free-range 'retirement homes' since it was created in 2005.

The trust directs rescue efforts towards hens set for slaughter, offering them an opportunity for a happier, extended life.

An event for people interested in helping their cause is scheduled for June 1 at South Marston.

Residents need to have space for three or more hens as well as having space to allow the animals to get used to their new environment.

The trust said: "As the long summer days call us back into our gardens and we begin to enjoy our outside spaces once more, why not consider gathering a few feathered friends together too?"

Anyone who can offer a group of hens a home this summer is encouraged to contact the trust by calling 01884 860084 or by emailing hens@bhwt.org.uk.

The British Hen Welfare Trust offers advice and guidance to those who choose to rehome hens either via its website or over the phone.

It added: "If you love the idea of the good life and long summer evenings spent outdoors with your new clucky companions, why not consider sharing your garden with our home seeking hens?"

The trust was established by Jane Howorth, who was awarded an MBE in the 2016, and is Britain’s first registered charity concerned with rehoming laying hens while improving hen welfare across commercial and domestic sectors.

Since its inception, the trust has secured 'retirement homes' for more than 950,000 ex-commercial hens, all of which were destined for slaughter.

It collaborates with DEFRA and similar agencies to formulate practices that better the lives of commercially-farmed and hobbyist pet hens including the estimated 16 million kept in colony cages.

The trust also works closely with business leaders of the British Egg Industry to influence hen welfare.

With 46 pop-up collection points across the UK as well as 1,200 volunteers, it educates consumers about caged eggs hidden in processed foods, like pasta, quiches, cakes and mayonnaise, helping them make informed choices when shopping.