AN actress who is deeply passionate about otters has become a patron of a Somerford Keynes animal rescue centre.

Daphne Neville celebrated her appointment at Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre (OAS) last month with a fundraising garden party at her Frampton Mansell home.

Over £500 was raised at the party and it will be donated to OAS and other animal charities, Tiggywinkles and the International Otter Survival Fund.

Tea, home-made cakes and sandwiches and Daphne’s home-made gingerbread were enjoyed by around 150 visitors.

Daphne is the author of popular children's book Bee, A Particular Otter, which first appeared on the shelves in 1982 and she has also become well known for hand-rearing otters at her home.

Daphne joins popular poet, Pam Ayres in becoming a patron of OAF,who took on her role at the charity earlier this year.

OAS hope its two new patrons can help its raise £220,000 to move to a new home near Cricklade later this year.

If you can help donate then call Ray Hood on 01666 860 789.