HASLINGDEN will host a hen do with a big difference as dozens of birds flock to the town in search of a new partner.

The British Hen Welfare Trust will hold a pop-up re-homing event on February 21 when hundreds of ex-battery hens will look to find a new coop.

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The charity, which is based in Devon, is returning to East Lancashire after a successful visit last January which saw 500 birds find new owners.

Adele Hall, Lancashire co-ordinator for the BHWT, said the organisation depended on kind-hearted members of the public.

She said: “These hens make amazing pets, they give so much back with their friendly and inquisitive natures, not to mention eggs.

“If you haven’t adopted hens before, it’s incredibly rewarding to give them a second chance in life, and I’d highly recommend it.”

The national charity, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, is well-known for its pioneering work in re-homing commercial laying hens when they have finished their ‘working’ career.

Its volunteers have found homes for almost 450,000 hens since it was founded in 2005, and later this year the British Hen Welfare Trust hopes to meet its 500,000th lucky hen, which will be christened Dee after the Roman numeral D, which means 500,000.

Ann Horn, who has collected hens from British Hen Welfare Trust four times, in recent years said: “After a few weeks of TLC, the hens blossom into beautiful girls full of personality and mischief.

“Each and every one has a different personality. We never fail to be amazed at watching them. When they first walk on grass you can see the puzzlement on their faces, and they love the snow.”

The charity, which will not reveal the location of the re-homing to avoid timewasters, is appealing for anyone who is able to offer a permanent home to contact them first by calling 01884 860084, or emailing hens@bhwt.org.uk.

A donation is requested to cover costs and help save more hens from slaughter.