Shepherd Neame's The Fenn Bell Inn, St Mary Hoo, granted zoo licence by Medway Council

A couple who have long-dreamed of turning their pub garden into a zoo have finally been granted a licence.

Andy and Kelly Cowell took over the Fenn Bell Inn, St Mary Hoo, in December 2014 after running out of room for their rescued animals on their farm in Stoke Road.

The couple hoped to transformed the 17th century inn garden into a safe haven for unwanted animals of all shapes and sizes.

And after almost three years of banging on doors, they have been granted a zoo licence by Medway Council.

Posting on their Facebook page, the couple said: “It’s been two years and eight months since we took over the Fenn Bell, and we have had some dark days.

“Our plan was to create a home for us and our animals and be able to share it with you guys.

“Looking back, we had no idea how hard that this would be or of the challenges that faced us.

“I am pleased to say, however, that we have done it. With Medway Council’s support our zoo licence has been granted. It’s very difficult to describe what this means to us. We have pushed and pushed to achieve this – and driven my family and friends to the boundaries of insanity.

“But the love and support they have shown has been amazing. We will never be able to repay them. It’s a dream come true to finally get the big rubber stamp, this makes all of the hard work and effort worth it.

“We’re not a boozer with animals, we are now a zoo.”

On the couple’s immediate to-do list is opening for school visits and working with other zoos on existing conservation projects.

And an extension on the pub –with a large dining area, disabled toilets and baby changing rooms – is also in the pipeline.

Mr Cowell added: “This is a chance to create a place for families to build memories – and somewhere that Medway can be proud of.”