THOUSANDS of hens are in need of homes this April, with an event being held nearby to save them from slaughter.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is hosting an event on Saturday, April 15, in Guildford, Surrey.

Hampshire residents are encouraged to head to the event to adopt a hen and save it from certain death.

The organisation is appealing to families in the county to take a feathered friend into their home. 

Commercial hens are sent to slaughter once they reach 18 months old, and replaced with younger hens who can lay more eggs.

Francesca Mapp, BHWT Marketing Consultant, said: "Having kept hens myself I can vouch for what brilliant companions they make. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cuppa and listening to some gentle chicken chatter in the spring sunshine."

She added: "By adopting a small flock of hens you’re quite literally saving their lives. We don’t want to leave any hens behind so please, if you can, get in touch and adopt some today."

The charity says that Hens are "life-affirming, charming little pets who will bring joy to any back garden."

For more information, go to www.bhwt.org.uk