SPRING lambs and fluffy bunnies brought some Easter cheer to children and parents at Bolton market.

The animals, all from Smithills Open Farm, were roaming around a small, makeshift stable set up in Ashburner Street in the town centre.

As well as bunnies and lambs, the farm workers from Smithills brought along some chicks, a pair of alpacas, a goat named “Panther” and their oldest donkey, named Roly.

Sonia Blackburn was there with her son, Kane, and said: “We’ve been to Smithills a couple of times before and we both love the animals.”

Eleven-year-old Kane was a big fan of the lambs because of their soft wool, he said: "They’re really cute, I really like the Alpacas as well, they’re really cute too!”

The rabbits brought by the farm workers were also a popular. Lily-Rose Vere, aged six, from Farnworth, said: “I like looking at the bunnies and I’m having lots of fun!”

Beth Martin, one of the farm workers, said: “We often travel with the animals and most of the kids are a bit apprehensive at first but once they see how friendly the animals are, they love it — I suppose it’s just a fear of the unknown.”

There was no apprehension from 19-month-old Charlie Baker from Breightmet, who was quite happy next to the lambs. His mum, Katie, said: “He loves those lambs because he can say ‘baa!’ at them!”

Another animal fan, Toby Davies, aged seven, from Stoneclough, said: “Panther (the goat) is my favourite because he’s really annoying and cheeky.”

Smithills Open Farm is a working dairy farm and can be found in Smithills Dean Road.