Family from Witham St Hughs runs a guinea pig rescue out of their back garden

A family from Witham St Hughs is running a guinea pig rescue out of their back garden.

Layla Gomes, 11, loves animals and does much of the work to care for the guinea pigs.

The rescue has been an ongoing project since September of last year after Layla began helping a neighbour with his rabbit rescue.

Layla's mother, Hannah Mcfaul, handles the social media side of things but says her daughter takes it upon herself to make sure the guinea pigs are happy and healthy.

She said, "Layla pretty much does all of the feeding and cares for them herself. We have always had pets and wanted to work with animals so we decided to take in unwanted guinea pigs. Usually, they come from schools that have them as class pets for a period or people who can no longer care for them."

Layla said "I like the thought of them going to a good home."

"My friends think it is quite cool, I did a powerpoint in front of the whole school and everyone thought they were really cute!"

Layla was also recently invited to participate in an animal welfare event at North Lindsey College and met students on the Animal Management programme.

The family currently cares for seven, two of which are their pets and five others who are looking for a home.

Hannah explains that they would love to expand to accommodate more animals but would need help acquiring funds.

She said, "We would love to have a three-story hutch but unfortunately don't currently have enough money to make it happen because buying one can be quite expensive."

To adopt a guinea pig or contact the rescue, visit their facebook page at Layla's Lovely Little Rescue.