A SOMERSET charity has been recognised for their extreme work towards wildlife conservation.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue has been named as 2023 Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards finalist in the category Charity Team of the Year.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue helps sick, injured and orphaned wildlife by rehabilitating them, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild.

They use their work with animals to educate the public about wildlife and the natural world.

With a centre that’s open 365 days a year, the team helps around 5,000 animals annually, and responds to over 10,000 requests for help and advice from the public and other wildlife and veterinary practices.

The Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards are now in their 11th year, and are an annual celebration of the incredible work carried out by animal charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands, in partnership with Association of Dogs and Cat Homes (ADCH).

From animal rescue to rehoming, the awards are an opportunity to recognise the achievements of those who dedicate their time to support animal welfare, and cover three categories including Volunteer of the Year, Team of the Year and Employee of the Year.

This year’s awards will be held on Tuesday May 16 at The International Conference Centre in Telford where the finalists will enjoy a celebratory dinner and an evening of entertainment before the winners in each category are announced.

Commenting on their nomination, fundraising manager, David Plant said: " We are honoured and humbled to have been nominated as a finalist for Animal Charity Team of the Year.

"Animal charities have had a tough few years with the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, and there are so many incredible teams out there adapting to change and working hard every day.

"Simply being selected as a finalist is a huge boost for our team. Secret World Wildlife Rescue has an incredible team of dedicated employees and volunteers who go above and beyond 365 days a year to give sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals a second chance at life in the wild.

"Whether we win or not, gaining this recognition for their hard work really means a lot to the team, and we're so grateful to be considered for this award.”

Petplan's Sales and Marketing Director, Bella von Mesterhazy, added: “Through our partnership with over 1,200 animal charities we see every day the difference teams and individuals make to the lives of animals. 

The Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards are a time to show our appreciation and give these remarkable finalists  the recognition they deserve.”

For further information and to view a full list of finalists, please visit petplan.co.uk/charityawards.