Residents at a homeless shelter in Avenham, Preston, welcomed six new clucking arrivals.

The six ex-battery hens are the latest additions at the Foundations project in Oxford Street, a purpose-built scheme which opened in 2005 for young people who have experienced homelessness.

Harriet, Lillian, Tikka Bella, Liken, Gertrude and Sparkle were cock-a-hoop after moving from the Battery Hen Welfare Trust in Haslingden, Rossendale.

Karen Little, Foundations project manager, said the hens would expand their self sufficiency drive, adding: “We operate a healthy eating programme at Foundations and can look forward to fresh eggs at breakfast club now as well as produce from our allotment, in which we grow organic vegetables.

“The idea behind the chickens being at Foundations is to encourage clients to learn about responsibility, we want them to learn to interact with one another on a level that requires them to be responsible.

“This in return builds their confidence levels and social skills and teaches them about chickens and their care needs.”

The Foundations scheme in Oxford Street has been open since 2005 and staff and residents have been rewarded for the scheme’s community focus, winning a prestigious award at the Northern Regional Finals of the Neighbourhood Awards.

The scheme won the What We Are Proud Of award for its contribution to the local community, in working with local people to develop an allotment garden that has become a haven for wildlife and provides organic produce for residents.

The hens arrived at Foundations looking malnourished but according to staff they are now thriving on the love and attention, with the morning egg run already having grown from one to at least six.