The “vital” work of an animal welfare centre has been praised by the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex.

Andrew Blackman, went to Peaceways Pet Crematorium in Shortgate, near Lewes, earlier this month.

It is part of Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare in nearby Ringmer.

In his role as the charity’s patron-in-chief, he toured the peaceful chapel, grounds and rose garden of remembrance at Peaceways, which has been providing a caring and compassionate service for pets and bereaved owners for nearly 60 years. 

It was established by Raystede’s founder in 1964 and many generations of pets are remembered there.

Mr Blackman went on to visit Raystede’s newest initiative, Project Terrapin, a sanctuary which will care for injured and abandoned terrapins.  

Terrapins are often bought as pets as they are small and relatively cheap.  Many owners do not realise that terrapins grow into very large adults - as much as 25cms long or the size of a dinner plate.  They need a lot of space and specialist care.  

Often, when they reach maturity, they are dumped because they are difficult to rehome and many of them die. 

Raystede’s new terrapin sanctuary is currently under construction and the Lord-Lieutenant visited the site to see progress on the intake and isolation unit, training pond, main pond, basking beach and educational facility.

His visit finished with a delve into the Aladdin’s cave of Raystede’s online shop where he met the team who list hundreds of items every month for online auctions to raise vital funds.

Stephanie Smith, Raystede’s chief executive, said: “We are very proud that the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex is our patron-in-chief and it was such a pleasure to show him more of our important animal welfare work.” 

The Lord-Lieutenant said: “The continued work that Raystede do for animal welfare is of vital importance to countless animals in need of sanctuary and care. I’m delighted to be their patron-in-chief and to support their ever-important projects which aim to give animals a better life.”