A Brentwood animal sanctuary is holding six specially themed open days this summer.

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, is holding the days at which the public can meet and pet the creatures who are cared for permanently at the site.

Founder Ernie Clark said: “Last August I was diagnosed with terminal cancer but I refuse to give in and the good work continues. These open days are so important as they bring in the money we desperately need to let us continue to care for the animals.”

He added: “They are very much like an old-fashioned village fete with items for sale and fun sideshows.”

Hopefield is a non-profit organisation that relies upon donations to continue caring for sick, unwanted or mistreated animals.

People can “adopt” an animal for �10, which they can pop in to see between 1pm-4pm every day.

Jane Palk, who looks after the adoption scheme, said: “When people can get so close to the animals, including our tame bull Max, it is quite special as they are allowed to pet them.”

The first open day will be on Sunday, April 24 (Easter Sunday) from 1pm-4pm and will feature an Easter egg hunt, animal grooming, art and craft stalls, tombola and a bouncy castle. Entrance costs �3 (�1 for children).