Hartlepool's Alice House Hospice waves a fond farewell to family of hens due to Covid-19 outbreak

The group of hens have been living at Alice House Hospice, in Hartlepool, as part of a lottery project encouraging residents to try new activities.

But now they have left the Wellbeing Centre to live with a member of staff.

Rebecca Jobson, senior manager communications, said: “It’s time to say goodbye to our lovely hens who joined us here in 2017 as part of our Patient Enrichment Programme funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

“Over the course of the project, which wound up in February 2020, patients attending Day Hospice and social Day Care have enjoyed a series of creative workshops, including pottery, woodwork, singing, poetry and creative writing, often with a hen related theme.

“The workshops were designed to encourage patients to learn new things, stretch themselves a little and most of all have fun.

“The workshops were so successful, some patients even volunteered to do homework.

“Feedback has been fantastic and more than a few hidden talents have been uncovered.

“Some of the impressive work produced has been on display in the Wellbeing Centre throughout this time.

“Sadly, during the current Covid-19 crisis, Day services have temporarily ceased so our hens will be moving to live with our Clinical Lead, Paula Tempest.

“We know they’ll be very happy because Paula’s a big softie and will spoil them as much as we have at Alice House.”