A MAJOR milestone was reached at Broadway Ferret Rescue when the 500th ferret was taken in.

The Rescue was launched by John Barton on May 1, 2001, and has continued to get busier as time has gone on.

Some of the cases have been harrowing, and Mr Barton explained: "We had four ferrets this year that came in shortly after having been thrown from a moving car. The woman who brought them was quite badly bitten as the ferrets were very badly stressed out and we are very grateful for her efforts in getting the ferrets to us. Three of them went to new homes once they had learned to trust humans again, but the fourth had to be put down due to injuries received at the time and from older, unattended injuries that the young ferret had lived with."

One of the growth areas for the Rescue this year has been its attendance at country shows and fairs, where Mr Barton and his volunteers educate those who want to learn more about ferret welfare

An hours talk has been created for colleges interested in animal care. And Mr Barton said: "I love to meet with the young people that have set their sights on a life with animals. I explain the whole aspect of ferret ownership, whether the ferrets be working, showing or just pets."

The Rescue has recently been adopted by Filton College in Bristol after Mr Barton went down there to talk to 51 students.

A Supporters Club has been set up in order to raise money in order to further ferret welfare. Open to all, membership costs £15 a year and in return members get four newsletters a year detailing the work in the Rescue.

Mr Barton said: "We have bought our own tent for the shows which helps us pass the message of ferret welfare easier in a complete professional manner, People need to be told of the 200 plus ferrets we have had this year alone and we need to show people something of the cruelty going on. I am so fortunate to have up to 20 volunteers who will come to shows to share their belief in ferret ownership."

Anyone interested in the Supporters Club can write to Broadway Ferret Rescue, High Street, Broadway, WR12 7AL or telephone 07769 720973.