Animal-lover, 90, reopens sanctuary to the public

A 90-year-old animal-lover has been hard at work as she prepares to reopen her rescue sanctuary to the public.

Barby Keel has been running the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary in Bexhill, East Sussex, since 1979, when there were just three animals on site.

But with the farm now home to more than 600 chickens, cats, pigs, goats and dogs, Barby has a team of trusty volunteers who help to keep it running.

The sanctuary is free to visit and reopens to the public at 13:00 BST on Sunday.

"The people who visit us are like a big family," said Barby.

"Lots of children visit and a lot of people who live on their own meet up here, they look forward to it and have something to eat and visit the animals."

The sanctuary offers homes for abused, abandoned and unwanted animals, and says it never puts down a healthy animal.

For Barby, her farm and the animals are her life, and she has no plans to retire.

"It is a bit tiring but if it brings money in for the animals then that's what it's all about," she said.

"All the animals will be out on Sunday and it's going to be a really good day."

The sanctuary has a café, souvenir shop, plant stall and a tombola. It is open every Sunday between 13:00 and 16:00, until October.

Those without transportation can catch a free minibus from Bexhill town hall bus stop at 13:00.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.