No kidding - there’s new arrivals at award winning farm attraction

The first newborn animals of 2012 have arrived at a popular Durham tourist attraction so early that they have even beaten the first visitors.

Waiting to greet the half-term visitors to Hall Hill Farm were the newborn pygmy goats – born in freezing temperatures in the early hours of Wednesday night and Thursday morning – the mostly white,fluffy kids stand no more than 8 inches tall.

“We are always excited when its time to re-open the farm for our visitors, and it’s great to see so many enjoying themselves the farms first day of being open in 2012.

This years it’s an added bonus that we also have our newborn pygmy goats,” said Ann Darlington. “The pygmy goat is quite hardy and can adapt to virtually all climates. Theyare doing very well with their mothers and we have the heat lamps to ensurethey stay warm during this cold spell.”

Hall Hill Farm, near Lanchester, Durham,named the Visitor Attraction of the Year (small) in the 2011 North East TourismAwards as well as the National Farm Attraction of the Year last year, employs up to 50 people and welcomes around 60,000 visitors every yearattracted by the family fun on offer and the opportunities to see and touchanimals at close quarters. Visitors can see fluffy chicks,inquisitive goats, magnificent Highland Cattle and get close to children’s favourites such as guinea pigs and rabbits, as well as enjoy the Playbarn, a tractoror donkey ride around the beautiful countryside.

The County Durham farm, which openedin 1981, is very much a family business. Situated on a 291 hectare site near toLanchester, Hall Hill Farm is owned by Jack & Pat Gibson, whose son Davidruns the working farm and livery and daughter Ann Darlington manages thevisitor enterprise.

Hall Hill Farm is open daily between 11 and 19 February from 10.30am til 4pm. It is then open everyweekend until April when it will be open daily.

For more information, visit hallhillfarm.co.uk.