WHEN the going gets tough it's good to have someone like international rugby league forward Sean O'Loughlin on your side.

Nobody could ever accuse the tough-tackling Wigan Warriors captain of being 'chicken' but on the eve of jetting off for his side's training camp in Florida Sean spent a miserably wet Sunday helping save doomed pullets from ending up as pet food.

He was at Lucky Hens in Hindley where a constant stream of youngsters turned up on one of the wettest days of the year at Alison and Dane Thorpe's rescue centre for battery hens.

Over the past few years the Thorpes have saved countless birds from the slaughterhouse and introduced numerous local families to the joys of chickens and new laid eggs. And now they're looking for homes for 1,500 birds.

"They went into the battery cages for the first time in April so they're still pullets, not yet a year old. They'll lay a good quantity of eggs for at least the next two years but because of changes in legislation they've all been earmarked for slaughter by the end of the year which is why we are desperate to find them homes," said Alison.

"We're grateful for such a high-profile person as Sean to give up his precious time to try to help highlight the birds' plight. Chickens don't take a lot of looking after and you don't need a cockerel for them to lay the best eggs you've ever tasted."

In between signing the wellies of groups of adoring youngsters, animal-lover Sean told the Journal: "It's brilliant what Alison and Dane are doing to save the chickens and giving them a second chance. And I think it is great that so many people want to adopt them.

"The chickens thrive on their new-found freedom."

Anyone interested in adopting a few chickens and saving them from certain death should call 01942 233375/ 07888730763 or visit the website http://luckyhensrescuewigan.weebly.com/