A FLUFFY Hartford duo has hopped in front of the lens to help promote a series of films and booklets which show rabbit-owners how to care for their pet.

For cross-breed bunnies Buddy and Cleo, both aged two, the photoshoot and filming session for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) marked another addition to their ever-expanding portfolio.

Proud owner Heather Pinchien, who lives in Lodge Lane, explained that her pets were the faces of Rabbit Awareness Week 2011 and also feature on the current Pets at Home bag for life.

And after being approached by the charity, the 31-year-old said the photogenic pair were filmed both at home and at Cheshire Pets, in Holmes Chapel, alongside vet Molly Varga.

The helpful videos, accompanied by a booklet, will give advice on what to feed rabbits, how to handle them and how to perform a health check, and will be printed later this month.

“I am really pleased that their images are being used to promote good rabbit care and that their faces are on the RSPCA campaigns,” said Heather.

“Buddy and Cleo are rescue bunnies and I got them from RSPCA Manchester and Salford in 2009 when they were three months old.

“Without the RSPCA, they probably wouldn’t be here today as their heavily pregnant mum was rescued along with four other bunnies, after being dumped by a main road.

“Their mum gave birth to eight babies and all were healthy and re-homed.”

She added: “Buddy and Cleo bring me so much joy , they are so funny to watch and have such characters.

“Rabbits are amazing pets but are not to be mistaken for an image many people have of them, which is a cuddly pet suitable for young children.

“They are not keen on being held generally and they are not to be housed in small hutches as often is the case.”

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