FERNE Animal Sanctuary have been left “absolutely staggered” after a member of the public was inspired by their work to hold a fundraising event.

Belinda Bishop raised more than £500 with her event at the end of last month.

She said: “This was the first time I have every organised an event like this. I just wanted to do something to help the sanctuary because I love animals.

“I think we had 15 teams all together and it was maximum of six per team. I think there were about 80 people that attended.

“It was very well supported and I didn't expect that much interest. I had to turn teams away because we had so many."

Jenny Wheadon, head of External Funding, said: "We are so grateful to Belinda Bishop for volunteering to organise a quiz at Chard Cricket Club in aid of Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

“We were absolutely staggered at the amount she raised and that so many people turned out to make it such a fantastic, enjoyable evening. The Sanctuary could not exist without donations from the public and we cannot thank Belinda enough for her support.

“There are so many ways in which people can help the Sanctuary by volunteering and Belinda has shown that it can be as much fun as you make it."

Belinda added: “The cricket club let us use the club free of charge but they made around £500 behind the bar so it helped them as well. We did a quiz with 10 rounds in and drew the raffle half way through. There was lots of great prizes from local businesses.

“Everyone gave good feedback and it was so much fun and went so well that I may do another again in the future but will do it for a different charity. I had a friend help me called Anth warren. I couldn't have done such a good job without him.

“We raised £527.77, and thank you all the local businesses that generously donated prices for the raffle and everyone who attended.”

For more information on the sanctuary, visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org.