Sanctuary rescuer Chris Johns with Lesley's dad Stephen Surridge and wife Annie

by Nisha Chopra

A Shetland pony has helped to save an animal centre in Ospringe from closure.

After the sudden death of animal lover Lesley Lovell, the owner of Butterstone Kennels near Faversham, it was thought her 20-year-old business would have to close.

Her parents even started looking for new homes for the cats, dogs and horses she had rescued.

But when the founders of Happy Endings Rescue charity, Chris Johns and Terry Kemp, paid a visit to the kennels to see Smarty the piebald pony - they fell in love with her and the rural spot.

So much so they have decided to take over the centre and expand it - bringing in donkeys, goats and even pigs.

Lesley's dad Stephen Surridge, 67, from Newnham said: "They seem to be an amazingly energetic couple and they've had this charity running for five years.

Terry Kemp and Chris Johns, the new owners of Butterstone Kennels and Cattery at Ospringe with Smarty the pony

"My wife and I are pleased they're here and it's what Lesley would have wanted. It started off as a cattery and kennels but her passion was for rescuing and rehoming animals and it's her legacy which is being carried on."

He added: "Smarty was the pony responsible for bringing Happy Endings up here - we've got three sheep as well and it's better for them to stay on site."

Happy Endings which also has sites in east Sussex and Knockholt near Sevenoaks has been finding homes and providing a sanctuary for hundreds of animals who have been abused or abandoned by previous pet owners.

Co-founder Chris Johns said: "This property has a field which is just right and every bit about it is perfect for us to rescue, board and rehome animals.

He added: "Lesley was known for helping animals so it's still drawing people in.

"We're incredibly proud to be continuing her good work."

Earlier this year pop singer Peter Andre featured the charity in his ITV2 show Here to Help.