MAXINE Peake was the surprise guest at Bleakholt Animal Sancuary’s packed open day — and got to meet its newest arrival.

Actress Maxine, star of dinnerladies, Silk and The Village, accompanied her sister Lisa to the open day and gave the thumbs up to the work Bleakholt does with animals.

She also got to meet the sanctuary’s new goat, who was going to be put down before Bleakholt rescued him.

Maxine said: “My sister Lisa knew someone who walked dogs at Bleakholt years ago so that’s why she got Kenny from here and that is why we wanted to support the open day.

“I have a dog from a destitute animal sanctuary in Salford and I have already fallen in love with one from Bleakholt and I would take it, if it wasn’t for my job.

“Our mum always used to take in all waifs and strays and she would admire the work Bleakholt does in rehoming animals.”

Bleakholt look after dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, horses, pigs and more animals with well over 1,000 people attending their open day.

For anyone who can help Bleakholt there are opportunities to sponsor an animal, become a member or help out as a volunteer.

For information go to bleakholt.org