A FARM visit gave children from a Darlington estate a chance to get hands-on with animals - including one exotic creature.

As well as sheep, cattle, goats and donkeys, the youngsters from Red Hall Estate got to a chance to visit llamas.

The event, at Hall Hill Farm, in Lanchester, was held on Tuesday as part of the Red Hall Partnership summer play scheme, a schedule of daily activities throughout the school summer holiday.

All the children, and some parents, had the chance to feed the lambs and hold some of the smaller animals, including chicks, guinea pigs and rabbits.

Sarah Small, play co-ordinator for Red Hall Partnership, said: "It was an opportunity for them to do something really different and not something they can do every day.

"Red Hall is very isolated, and six weeks is a long time to keep the young people occupied. But the summer play scheme provides something for them to come and get involved in every day."

For more information on the summer play scheme, contact Miss Small on 07876-682754.