CROWDS turned out in force for the official opening of the new Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Over 200 visitors came to look at the newly built animal rescue centre and it’s wildlife care facilities at Blakehill Nature Reserve, near Cricklade on September 19.

As well as viewing the facilities, guests enjoyed stalls, activities, live music and a tour of new education and visitors centre.

Pam Ayres on of Britain’s most well known poets and writers performed the opening ceremony by cutting the ribbon at the entrance and unveiling a new plaque displaying the name of the charity.

About £3000 was raised on the day towards the cost of running the charity which had got considerably busier since moving to Wiltshire, and many new members were signed up.

Up until earlier this year Oak and Furrows was based near Somerford Keynes.