Horse charity reopens farm after serious flooding

A horse welfare centre has reopened its doors to visitors after suffering serious damage due to flooding.

Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Kingsdon near Somerton, Somerset, was hit by heavy rainfall which not only waterlogged its fields but also caused a flash flood.

The flooding caused damage to the ground floors of the site's visitor centre and two staff bungalows, which are run by the charity World Horse Welfare.

Claire Dickie, farm manager at the centre, said: "It was like nothing we had ever seen before."

"We are pretty used to wet weather living in Somerset but it was like someone had tipped the sea into our farm."

Following an extensive clean-up operation, the centre is now welcoming visitors once again.

Guests can visit the centre's coffee shop, visitor centre, crew yards, play area and paddocks.

However, due to ongoing repair work the farm walks remain closed until further notice.

Despite the flooding, all horses at the farm are safe and well.

All affected staff have been provided with temporary accommodation while restoration work continues.

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