There will be room for up to seven guests. The spacious surroundings will allow visitors to wander around to their hearts' content. Regular meals will be served up on a daily basis.

The real emphasis of this new hotel, though, will be on customer service. All the pampering a guest could possibly need is guaranteed, according to the owners.

Sounds perfect, doesn't it? However, before you start thinking in terms of booking a room for a night, be warned - the accommodation referred to is specifically for - rabbits.

Wendy and Lee Wilkinson, who own two of their own fluffy bunnies, have decided that, if cats and dogs can be left in kennels when their owners jet off on their holidays, then why can't rabbits be entitled to similar treatment.

Hence, the couple are currently putting the finishing touches to what has been dubbed Wendy's Warren at their home in Shippon, near Abingdon.

The idea came to Wendy after the couple moved down to their new home from Yorkshire. The 23-year-old civil servant, who has a friend who started a similar scheme in the north, said: "We have two house rabbits and, when we go away, I don't like having to leave them in a neighbour's hutch. It occurred to me many other rabbit owners would probably prefer not to, either.

"Since I have started putting feelers out, I have had a lot of feedback which has convinced me there is a need for a kind of hotel for rabbits.

"I must admit, though, all my work colleagues think I'm barmy and I suppose I am kind of bonkers, really!"

Wendy admits she is completely devoted to her own pet rabbits Humbug and Truffle, who have the run of her house. They have their own litter tray and will often cuddle up to their owners while they are watching TV.

Wendy, a member of the British House Rabbits Association, said: "They can be a very adult pet. They have such fantastic personalities and are such a scream.

"Rabbits do not have to be stuck in a hutch at the end of the garden." Lee, a Lance Corporal based at Dalton Barracks, has been busy building enough runs in the couple's garden to cater for up to seven rabbits - and the first guests have already been booked in before the end of the month.

His wife is convinced her love for - and experience of - rabbits will stand her in good stead.

She said: "I have had mine for two years and in that time I have had every single problem you can think of, so I tend to know a lot about illnesses and other little quirks.

"People will be able to go on holiday and know that, if their rabbit becomes ill, it is with somebody who actually knows what to do."

She added that the accommodation would be provided in the back garden.

Wendy - who is good friends with fellow rabbit-lover Gwen Butler, of TV's Pet Rescue fame - admits she also hopes to educate people about the value of giving their rabbits more freedom.

* The couple will be taking in rabbits from March 19 onwards. Call Wendy Wilkinson on 01235 534875 or 07771 642988 for details.

Story date: Tuesday 09 March

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.