HUNDREDS of hens have been saved from slaughter after a charity issued a "desperate plea" to residents.

Villagers in Crowthorne and surrounding areas were encouraged to rehome a hen last Sunday to help save them from being killed.

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The British Hen Welfare Trust is happy to announce that 339 hens were rehomed, which is more than they anticipated.

Francesca Mapp, marketing manager at the BHWT, said: "Thanks to the wonderful Berkshire public and the publicity from Bracknell News we found happy homes for 339 hens, which is more than we’d anticipated.

"All those lucky girls are now enjoying a free-range retirement including scratching for bugs and slugs and enjoying the occasional dust bath as nature intended. "

Sadly, once hens reach 18 months old, they are no longer considered commercially viable and are classed as 'end of lay', so would be sent to be slaughtered according to the charity.

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Locals who have garden space and are warming to the idea of keeping hens can get in touch with the charity to be added to their waiting list.

Charity BHWT was established in 2005 by Jane Howorth and she was awarded an MBE in the 2016 New Year's Honours list.

So far, the charity has found a home for more than 750,000 caged hens, all of which were destined to be killed.

Francesca added: “We hold regular rehomings in Crowthorne so if you missed out this time please do get in touch so we can add you to our waiting list, and hopefully it won’t be long until we’re bringing more hens out of their cages.”