FIVE ferrets and a hawk have helped recovering alcoholic Alan Ellis stay on the straight and narrow.

The 53-year-old began living at the Kenward Trust, at Yalding, near Maidstone, 18 months ago, bringing with him his rescued animals.

Mistress, his three-year-old Harris Hawk, has a vitamin deficiency and needs a special diet to keep her well. She is also short-sighted and often gets stuck in trees.

Mr Ellis saved the ferrets from being abandoned and spends hours looking after them.

Known to other residents as The Birdman, he takes Mistress with him on country walks. She lives in an aviary at the trust and flies free, coming back when Mr Ellis calls.

But the former alcoholic is now ready to leave the centre for recovering addicts and needs a job - hopefully one which will allow him to keep his beloved animals.

He said: "Mistress and my ferrets are all I have in the world. I don't ask for anything else. I'm a countryman and I need a position where I can share my knowledge and experience of life and the countryside with others. I feel I have a lot to give back to the community."

Mr Ellis has previously worked with livestock and ideally would like to work on the land - at a farm, conservation trust or wildlife sanctuary which offers accommodation.

The Kenward Trust is in its 34th year and offers residential care for recovering drug and alcohol addicts.If you feel you can help Mr Ellis call 01622 814187.