Hundreds of youngsters and their families got to see a selection of their favourite animals up close and personal during a family fun day in Holywells Park yesterday.

A petting zoo of farmyard animals, a reptile tent and donkey rides were among the attractions at the event, which has formed part of a string of activities for children during the summer holidays.

The groups which attended the day have deemed it a massive success and said they were pleased that the sun was out, to encourage people to head down to the park.

Jackie Wynn, owner of Great Finborough-based Off The Farm, provided the petting zoo, which included piglets and goats.

She said: “It has gone really well. It has been nice weather and the kids are really enjoying it. It’s good because it is so expensive to give kids something to do so it is nice that the majority of it is free.”

Duncan Sweeting, a member of Mid Anglia Herpetological and Invertebrate Club, which brought along a number of snakes and other reptiles, added: “It is all going really well. We are encouraging them (children) to interact (with the snakes and reptiles). People have big fears of snakes.”

There were other activities for people to take part in during the fun day, including face painting and origami animals.

The Friends of Holywells Park also had a stall at the event and they were pleased to see so many people in the area.

Martin Cant, from the group, said: “It is brilliant to see all the families turning out, having picnics and enjoying the weather.

“Seeing the numbers here today really makes it worthwhile.

“We wouldn’t miss these events for the world because it is nice to see people using the park and making the most of it.”

The final Wednesday summer event at the park will take place next week with an outdoor showing of the Bee movie.