AN animal lover who shares her home with more than 50 ferrets is set to open a new rescue centre.

Jo Clark set up Hockley Ferret Rescue at her Etheldore Avenue property about 18 months ago.

Since then she has saved and rehomed more than 40 of her furry friends and will soon take on a plot of land to build a new centre.

She fell in love with the critters when she took one in for a friend and is currently hosting 51 animal housemates.

She said: “It has come to light that so many ferrets need to be rescued.

“So many are found after getting lost while out working to find rabbits.

“They are lovely, playful and very much misunderstood creatures. They do have a bit of a smell but are very nice.

“It has cost thousands to fund keeping the animals, including the food. They are meat eaters and eat a lot.

“We work to raise awareness and go to shops with our stalls sometimes to help educate people about them.

“They are not vicious at all and make great pets. I think they are like a dog and a cat rolled into one animal.

“We are moving the rescue to a new place in Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh with more room for the ferrets. I am not moving home, just the ferrets.”

She is renting a piece of land from a friend who has rehomed some of her ferrets previously.

She doesn’t want to reveal how much it is costing her.

The land is currently grass and gravel covered and she has been working to clear it with a team of volunteers, friends and family.

She said: “We have had to rescue the animals from some bad situations. We once saw one that was by the side of the M25.

“It was covered in tar and we had to wash its fur.

“They are sometimes used in engineering to carry cables through small spaces.

“We are always looking for donations such as blankets.”

To help see the funding page at www.gofundme.com/hockley-ferret-rescue