BLINK and you could miss them. Taking animal-keepers by surprise, these three tiny Japanese quail chicks are the latest arrivals at a Hampshire animal sanctuary.

The three, currently unnamed, fluffy companions who comfortably fit in the palm of your hand hatched unexpectedly at Ashtrims Nursery in Bishopstoke this week.

Staff did not even realise the mother quail had laid any eggs.

Little chicks "We have three quails, which we brought into our aviary because they clean up after other birds, and we couldn't believe it when we just found these little chicks in with them," said nursery owner Rachel Allen.

"We didn't realise they were going to breed."

The chicks are now being carefully looked after with their mum in a special unit at the nursery, which is finding a new lease of life as an animal rescue centre.

Last year arsonists destroyed the shop at the garden centre, and spates of vandalism have continually threatened the business.

Now, among the rows of plants, shrubs and patio designs, visitors can see mountain goats, pigs, geese, ducks, peacocks and rabbits, who are just a few of the creatures taking up residence at the nursery.

More exotic pets including snakes, lizards, parrots and chipmunks are also making themselves at home.

Rachel said staff hope to make it a popular attraction for the community.

"This is a place for everyone. We are constantly building new pens for new animals, and are still adding another children's play area," she explained.

The centre, which includes a tea room and play area, is run by a small team who often volunteer on their days off to help keep the animals in check, as well as working in the garden centre and pet shop.

"We started taking in animals about 18 months ago, when we had two goats given to us," said employee Adele Stephen.

"Everything here, from the plants to the animals, is all rescued stock.

"Quite often they are from people who are emigrating, moving home, or settling down with a family and can't keep the pets any more."

This is a place for everyone. We are constantly building new pens for new animals' Rachel Allen