Brian May gives award to Surrey Heath police

HEAT lamps confiscated by police are being used at Brian May's Windlesham home to nurse sick animals back to health.

The lamps have been taken by Surrey Police in raids on properties involved in the cultivation of cannabis and have been donated to a good cause to May who is involved with the Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue Trust.

The donations led to Surrey Police safer neighbourhood team for Surrey Heath being presented with an award by May at a ceremony held by the wildlife charity on September 1.

The event called 'Wildlife Rocks'  was held at Guildford Cathedral to raise awareness of wildlife preservation in Britain, and to raise money for the charity.

Sergeant Christopher Mallett and his team were nominated for the award due to their donation of a number of items disclaimed during search warrants including heating lamps and power units which had previously been used in the cultivation of cannabis.

PC Dave Murray, neighbourhood officer for the area, said: "We confiscate so many items and thought they should go to a good cause. The Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue Trust does great work in helping wildlife in the area we police. By receiving this award, the team and I are very proud that our contribution has been recognised."

Anne Brummer, event organiser said: "The police have had great success closing down cannabis factories using large heat lamps and we use the lamps for our animals so they have been donating them after they've been confiscated.

"We look after wild animals and there's a limit to the amount you can interfere with them because of the shock they can go into.

"One of the ways we regulate shock with a wild animal is with heat, certainly with animals like deer we have to keep them quite isolated and warm. These heat lamps are UV lamps so they get sunlight.

"The lamps cost us between £70 and £120 so for them to donate them to us saves quite a big chunk of our yearly expenditure. It makes a massive difference. It knocks £1,300 off our yearly bill."

She added: "Brian has been very much involved for quite a few years now and we use his land. He builds cages and things for us so there is a heavy involvement with him. He's wonderful."