Meet John the Fallow deer

A fawn rescued after its mother was hit by a car while still pregnant - is alive and well and living in south Norfolk.

The fawn, called John, has been living with conservationist Ben Potterton at his home in Dickleburgh.

Ben, who runs Shorelands Wildlife Gardens in the hamlet, as well as the Earsham Wetland Centre near Bungay, took the baby deer in after a member of the public from Hertfordshire called asking for help.

“John’s mum was hit by a car and, when the vet arrived, it was discovered she was pregnant. She was euthanised and John was delivered by emergency caesarean section.

“He is now 10 weeks old and we have had him for three weeks. He’s doing well.

“We’ve been looking after him at home before we transfer him to Earsham, tomorrow, and he gets too humanised.”

John will join fellow Fallow deer Susie and Twiggy at Earsham Wetland Centre.

The centre is holding a special free open day (September 1) and where visitors can not only meet John, but also 20 white injured storks from Poland, Suffolk Punch horses and learn about the conservation project at the 29-acre site - during the specialist plant fair, starting at 10am.

Full story in this week's Diss Express, out August 31.