THE region's leading rabbit refuge is hoping a Christmas party will help get its message across to the public.

Gwen Butler, of Bunny Burrows, at Richmond, North Yorkshire, said rabbits did not make good presents. They were cute and fluffy, but rabbits needed feeding and watering, and their hutches needed regular cleaning.

As a result, too many families became bored with their pet - which is why Bunny Burrows is appealing for the public's help over the Christmas period.

"The refuge is a little small for a get-together, so we'll be using the Market Hall in Richmond for an early Christmas party," said Mrs Butler.

"We hope the event will help remind people what we do - and why we have to do it. If anyone wants to help through a donation, that would be fantastic."

The Bunny Burrows Christmas Carnival starts at 10am on Sunday and includes stalls selling accessories for rabbit owners, refreshments and a fancy dress competition for children, to be judged by the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Stuart Parsons, at 2pm.