'Coronation Street' star Antony Cotton becomes patron of hen charity

Antony Cotton has become a patron for a charity that supports ex-battery hens.

The Coronation Street actor revealed that he is "besotted" with the birds, and that he began adopting them last year.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) has 25 regional centres around the UK, and takes in hens from farmers at the end of their laying life. The hens are then put up for 'adoption' to members of the public.

Cotton revealed that it was an easy decision to become a patron for the charity.

"The British Hen Welfare Trust does an amazing job, not only re-homing ex-battery hens but also campaigning to encourage consumers and retailers to go free range," he said.

"Hen-keeping is one of life's simple pleasures and I'm particularly happy to be able to give ex-battery hens that have had such a dreadful life a happy retirement."

Jamie Oliver and Antony Worrall Thompson are among other celebrities who have supported the cause.

Antony Cotton recently signed a deal that will keep him with the ITV soap until at least 2013.

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