Excitement is building at much loved Ferne Animal Sanctuary as tomorrow, Thursday 26th February 2015, sees the official Grand Opening of their “New Digs for Dogs” £1m project. The ribbon will be cut at 12 noon by Matt Faulkner, BBC Somerset presenter.

Based in Wambrook, near Chard and founded in 1939 by the late Nina, Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon, Ferne Animal Sanctuary originally looked after the pets of servicemen and women who were going away to fight for their country. The Sanctuary’s old, dilapidated kennel facility - which was nearly 50 years old and could not withstand another winter - was demolished during March 2014. The hard work then began to raise the funds needed for the new build.

While an incredible £500,000 has come from the charity’s reserves saved for this purpose, the remaining £500,000 had to be obtained through donations and fund-raising events. They are now very close to achieving their target.

The new centre enables the Sanctuary to double its current capacity and now look after up to 50 dogs. Apart from the kennel block, it also includes an improved grooming and veterinary care room, social unit, offices, reception and a retail shop selling high quality goods.

Elaine Hayes, CEO at Ferne Animal Sanctuary said: “I am absolutely delighted that we are formally opening our new re-homing centre. This is another landmark in Ferne’s history as we enter our 75th year. This centre will allow us to help more dogs find happy, forever homes across Somerset, Devon and Dorset.”

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a registered Charity open to the public all year round, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. They rely solely on donations. To learn about all their events and how to volunteer, please visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org or call 01460 65214.