A wildlife rescue centre has closed until further notice in response to the coronavirus crisis.

Eagle Heights sanctuary in Eynsford made the decision following the government's advice to avoid all non-essential travel.

All experiences have been cancelled for the next four weeks and staff and directors have been put on unpaid leave.

In a statement posted on its website the sanctuary wrote: "Eagle Heights is now closed until further notice.

"With essential travel only being advised last night this takes away our visitors. Our priority must be the animals and their care."

Known for its birds of prey, Eagle Heights is also home to reindeer, alpacas, meerkats and a number of huskies.

Those staff members living in the village will continue to care for the animals to lower the risk of any contamination.

The Foundation, which relies on public money and is a family-run business, said it had received no clarification from the government as to whether it would qualify for emergency funding.

Co-founder Sally Ames said: "As a family this is a worrying time for us too. The family and three members of staff are currently working unpaid to care for the animals and we are doing our utmost to keep positive.

"The rest of our staff are all on unpaid leave but our team are the most wonderful people the Foundation could wish for and have all taken to news of closure admirably."

Donations to support the centre are welcome from the public here.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford