YOUNGSTERS enjoyed all the fun of the farm as they got hands-on with some furry friends earlier this week.

Children from the Greendown Playgroup were delighted when some special guests turned up at the group, based at the Lydiard Academy, on Tuesday.

The children had an opportunity to pet goats, hens, chicks and lambs as part of an animal awareness project.

They were also able to help feed some of the young animals.

A spokeswoman for the group said: “The children loved it, it really helped with the animal topic we are studying, and it gave them an understanding of the lifecycle of animals in general.

“For some it was a new experience, as not all of the children own pets, so to interact and meet them in the flesh was a great opportunity.

“Not only was it a good hands-on experience but also it will give the children knowledge for the future.

“And not only did the children enjoyed themselves – the parents found the experience worthwhile, too.”

This hands-on experience was also noted in the playgroup’s last two Ofsted reports, which resulted in a grade of outstanding.