A sanctuary responsible for saving the lives of thousands of animals has won its fight for survival.

The future of Happy Pants Ranch was in doubt after being told it would have to move from its current home at Yelsted, near Sittingbourne.

But the rescue centre - a home for cows, goats, turkeys and cats - has announced it has found a new home following an appeal by KentOnline.

"After months of searching for a suitable site the ranch could move to, we’ve finally found somewhere," a spokesman said.

"Or rather it found us, after a lovely lady who owned some disused land saw the charity’s appeal in the Sittingbourne News and got in touch to help.

"And the best part is it’s only 10 mins from the current site in nearby Newington so the ranch can keep all its lovely local support and volunteers.

"The land has laid untouched for a number of years so there’s lots of work to be done to get it ranch ready."

Backed by volunteers, the firm was set up nearly seven years ago to offer a refuge for stray, abandoned or mistreated animals.

Its founder, Amey James, said that it was forced to relocate leaving the animals at risk if an alternative site could not be found.

Supporters of the site welcomed the news.

“This is fantastic news for the ranch Amey, good luck with getting your site ready to relocate all of your magnificent animals,” Andrea Birdsall said on Facebook.

“What a relief it must be to find somewhere, congratulations,” Sarah Ann added.

The Happy Pants Ranch, in Yelsted, between Sittingbourne and Maidstone, is a sanctuary for more than 300 unwanted and abandoned animals.

For more information, or to get involved with the sanctuary, visit the Happy Pants Ranch Facebook page.

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