SMELLING ‘like the stables’ is a price worth paying to work with animals, a local charity volunteer has said.

Harry, who volunteers for the Ferne Animal Sanctuary, has spoken about his experiences giving up his time to care for animals to help raise awareness of ‘Volunteers’ Week’.

The week-long celebration of those who give up their time for good causes seeks to “recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities.”

Harry is one of 120 volunteers working at the charity’s 72-acre sanctuary and across its stores in Somerset and Devon. He said it was an opportunity which could help his CV, while working on something close to his heart.

He said: “I’ve always had a deep love for horses, and volunteering at Ferne Animal Sanctuary seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine my passion with valuable work experience that could help me secure a job in the future. I also enjoy learning new things, especially when it involves caring for animals.

“I volunteer in the equine department, where some animals are here for rehabilitation and rehoming and others are permanent residents. Every horse is different, and some will stay here for the rest of their lives as they have medical or behavioural issues which makes them quite difficult to rehome.”

Harry said one of the great things about volunteering was that its a flexible vocation which can often fit around existing commitments. He said: “I volunteer every Monday and Tuesday from 8am to 5pm, but some volunteers give a little more or a little less each week.

“Any help to the sanctuary is valuable so they always work with volunteers to find something that is flexible and suits you. The routine keeps me busy, and I enjoy doing a full day of work. I never realise how quickly the time flies by, every day is different, and the team is great fun to work with. Volunteering at the beginning of the week is a great way to start on a high note by doing something I love.”

Harry said his work at the sanctuary brings him a lot of pleasure, in particular grooming his favourite horse, Santa. He said smelling like the stables was a small price to pay to work with the animals: “Every day is special and different, I’m not supposed to have favourites, but I have a soft spot for a horse called Santa who I love grooming, he is such a sweet horse.

“I love being around horses and helping out. I can’t imagine working in an office; getting dirty and smelling like the stables is a small price to pay for the reward I get from the horses.”

After some months giving up his time for the charity, Harry says he has settled in well and recommends it to others. He said: “It’s an amazing place to support animals and learn new skills. I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to work outside—it’s wonderful.”