HE may be notoriously known for rushing about non-stop but Ipswich's newest White Rabbit still found time to meet a tiny kindred spirit. In between rehearsals Edward Love, who will soon be appearing in Co-op Juniors' Alice in Wonderland at the Regent theatre, popped in to Thumpers Rabbit Rescue, in Ipswich, to learn some lessons in the art of being a bunny from a real life white rabbit.

HE may be notoriously known for rushing about non-stop but Ipswich's newest White Rabbit still found time to meet a tiny kindred spirit.

In between rehearsals Edward Love, who will soon be appearing in Co-op Juniors' Alice in Wonderland at the Regent theatre, popped in to Thumpers Rabbit Rescue, in Ipswich, to learn some lessons in the art of being a bunny from a real life white rabbit.

"It's a bit strange trying to learn from real rabbits," said the 13-year-old Kesgrave High School pupil.

"They're always off doing their own thing and I suppose that's what I pick up on. I've tried to incorporate this into the show."

Thumpers is home to 50 to 70 rabbits at any one time, including ten white bunnies at present.

They are all are looking for good homes having been passed to the rabbit rescue as unwanted pets, strays or rescued animals. There are also those which could no longer be kept by their families due to allergies.

Unlike Edward's rabbit in Alice In Wonderland, who rarely stops for breath, bunnies can make very good pets.

However Diane Rogerson, who runs the rabbit rescue in Elmcroft Road, however, warned against giving them as Christmas presents.

She said: "They aren't ideal for children under five but if people spend time getting the basics right and look into what is needed to look after a rabbit, they do make very good pets.

"I wouldn't advise anyone to give them as Christmas presents though. I tend to slow up re-homing at this time of year and we do get an awful lot of rabbits that come in to us in the new year."

Edward, who would love a rabbit of his own, has been with the Co-op Juniors since he was seven.

He previously played Michael in the company's 2000 production of Peter Pan and is looking forward to taking to the stage alongside Abbi Sheldrake as Alice and dozens of other cast members for the new festive spectacular.

He said: "Everybody is friends and we're all talking to each other all of the time. We get on really well and it's a great atmosphere.

"The directors encourage everyone to work well, especially with the younger people. We've all been working hard to move up to the senior roles and that's great."

n Alice In Wonderland is at Ipswich Regent from December 23 to January 2. Tickets cost £10.50 and £11.50 (children £9 and £10) and are available at the Central Box Office, in Princes Street, Ipswich, by calling 01473 433100 or online at www.ipswichregent.com

n Thumpers Rabbit Rescue is at 67 Elmcroft Road, Ipswich. If you would like to rehome a rabbit you can visit the rescue on Saturday or call 01473 434902 to make an appointment for any other time.

Weblink: www.co-opjuniors.co.uk