ENTHUSIASTS converged on Shoebury Studios last weekend to take part in the annual Ferret Awareness Day and raise cash for a ferret rescue fund.

More than 250 ferrets were entered into the ferret show which was the main event at the awareness day and managed to raise £500 for local ferret rescue charities.

The winning ferret, owned by Joanne Clark, was Ted.

The event was organised by Annette Hoskyn and Kerry Phillips and is held each year to try and encourage people that ferrets can make great house pets as well as raise money for various ferret charities in the area.

Annette, 50, from Shoebury said: “This year was a huge success with hundreds of people coming down to take part, some from as far as Southampton and Eastbourne.

“I think because ferrets have such bad reputations as animals that events like this help to change that. We had people coming in off the street who are interested in having a ferret as a pet and wanted to check them out.”

The event was Halloween-themed and there were prizes awarded for best dressed owner and ferret as well as raffles and refreshments.

Annette added: “I want to thank everyone for taking part, especially Nick Larne who registers every ferret for the competition.

“Without him it would not have been possible.”