A HAMPSHIRE charity is offering you the chance to win a VIP experience whilst also raising vital funds during lockdown.

The Hawk Conservancy Trust, based near Andover, is offering supporters the chance to win a unique VIP experience with its birds of prey as part of its recently launched lockdown raffle.

The Trust funds much of its care and conservation work through its visitor centre in Weyhill, but with the facility closing due to lockdown restrictions, that source of income has flown the nest.

Now the charity is hoping to raise vital funds through its newly launched raffle, whilst also offering the lucky winner a ‘special VIP experience’.

Chief Executive Penny Smout said: “Our philosophy has always been to avoid pressuring anyone to donate but rather to earn our keep by providing world-class visits to the Trust.

“However, with the lockdown we’re limited in our ability to generate income. We’re hoping this raffle initiative will be seen as a new approach to earning our keep, balancing seeking support with offering something in return to those kind enough to help.

“It gives every supporter the chance of winning a special VIP experience of meeting and flying some incredible birds of prey as well as learning more about them.”

The prize will be available for the winner to take together with a chosen family member or friend once lockdown is over and it can go ahead safely.

Going behind the scenes of one of the Trust’s flying displays, the winner will help fly the team of cheeky Hooded Vultures; help with day-to-day care such as feeding and weighing birds; fly a variety of birds; and learn about each species as well as the Trust’s important conservation and research work.

They will also be able to enjoy lunch in the centre’s Feather’s Restaurant and drinks throughout the day.

Raffle tickets are £5 each and can be purchased until June 14 via the charity’s website, where full terms and conditions can also be found.

Go to www.hawk-conservancy.org for more information.

Alternatively you can keep up with the Trust on social media, with links available via the website.