The Boaz Project, Barton Stacey, open day - in pictures

Visitors to the Boaz Project open day and plant sale at Hill Farm near Barton Stacey were able to get up close to a range of unusual animals, including an African pygmy hedgehog, giant tortoise, bumblebee royal python and barn owl brought by visiting zoo ‘Feathers, Fangs and Furries’.

The sun shone for the annual event which raised more than £4,000 for the farm-based charity for aa. Other highlights included tractor rides, craft stalls, fun games, brass band and a chance to pet one of Boaz’s resident donkeys.

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Manager Stuart Palmer said: “We’re more used to egg-laying chickens, donkeys and sheep at Boaz than exotic animals but it was great fun to host a mini zoo this year. We’re grateful to the Smith family for managing the visiting zoo and looking after the exotic animals so well and indeed everyone who made the day such a success.”

The summer fete comes just weeks after the first Boaz charity golf day raised a further £2,000. Now, the charity is keen to recruit more volunteers to join its small army of unpaid helpers.

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Stuart said: “Volunteering at Boaz suits a broad range of ages and backgrounds. Volunteers can come for a whole day or half a day and work alongside staff and people with mild to moderate learning disabilities. No experience is needed just a desire to help.

“Activities include horticulture, animal care, crafts, woodwork and cooking.  A home-cooked lunch is served every day followed by a gentle walk with donkeys around this beautiful arable farm.”

He added: “Coming to Boaz provides an opportunity to focus on what’s truly important - nature, people, relationships and appreciating life lived in the moment.”

For more information see boazproject.co.uk.