A DORSET company has boosted the coffers of an animal centre as part of its mission to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Wessex Group have sponsored 50 birds at Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre near Ringwood, as the latest good deed following plans to give 50 of something away each month in 2013 to a good cause or charity.

Liberty’s houses the largest collection of birds of prey in Hampshire’s New Forest, and exists to educate people about their animals, as well as acting as a rescue centre for birds of prey in need of care.

Owner of Liberty’s, Lynda Bridges, said that they are very grateful to the Wessex Group for their help in sponsoring the birds.

She added: “Although we are a visitor attraction, we rely on donations to operate. As well as caring for the animals, we also work on breeding programmes and help injured birds back into the wild, aiming to educate as many people as possible.

“We have birds of prey including owls, eagles and vultures, as well as reptiles and creepy crawlies and they all need looking after.

“Thanks to Wesssex Group, we have been able to buy hand-made bow perches for the birds.”

Chris Stott, Managing Director of Wessex Fire and Security, said: “As we do lots of work in the New Forest, Liberty’s was an ideal centre to support. Also, our logo at Wessex Fire and Security is an owl, so I was particularly pleased that the group will be helping these marvellous creatures.”

So far this year, Wessex Group have also provided 50 sensory toys to a charity for children with severe learning disabilities, planted 50 yards of snowdrops, and donated 50 promotional packs to a dyslexia support group.