THE founder of a wildlife rescue centre based in Highbridge spoke at a carers conference about her experiences in caring for animals.

Pauline Kidner, founder of Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre addressed more than 80 carers on June 12 at Somerset Partnership Foundation Trust's (SOMPAR) annual conference for carers at Dillington House in Ilminster.

Mrs Kidner shared some history behind Secret World and told some funny stories about some of the scrapes she and her wildlife have got into.

Caroline Mead, carers service manager for SOMPAR said: "It was lovely to hear from Pauline who was able to share her own stories about caring – albeit for lives of a wilder and woollier nature.

"We support carers who look after family members and loved ones who are living with mental health conditions, including dementia. Our carers have to look after their loved ones day in and day out.

"Our annual carers’ conference is held during National Carers’ Week and is a chance for us to thank carers for their work and for them to make new friends who are going through the same things, as well as enjoying learning new crafts and skills together.”

The annual event, run by the trust's Carer's Service aims to celebrate the work of the carers they support and give carers a day of relaxation and fun.

Carers who attended the conference took part in workshops about willow and wire craft, Tai Chi, outdoors walking and tours of the beautiful Grade II listed country house.