ONCE it was used in the production of cannabis.

Now a more acceptable purpose has been found for drug-making equipment seized in a series of raids across the New Forest.

Police have donated lamps, fans and other devices seized during raids on cannabis factories, to the New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Conservation Park near Ashurst.

The equipment is being used to help staff look after a variety of animals at the attraction, including ferrets, mice, polecats and weasels.

Park manager John Crooks, pictured showing Boris the ferret one of the lamps watched by Insp Dave Brown, said creatures kept at the former butterfly farm would benefit from a broader spectrum of light. He added: "Greenhouses are nice but our animals need an artificial source that's more like sunlight."