Easter is just around the corner, which means school holidays, long walks and plenty of chocolate, and what better way to spend it than with an Easter Egg hunt?
Smithills Open Farm kicked off the Easter holidays in a traditional manner - the first day of Smithills’ Easter Egg hunt.
People wer queuing up, all raring to get their hunt on and see some farm animals.
The hunt meets near the tractor ride and heads off into the woods, where all manner of goodies are hidden.
Louise Blundell, one of the managers at the farm, said: “This is our busiest time of year.
“It’s been the first day today and it’s been as busy as expected, and generally as the week goes on it gets busier as more people hear about it.
“The weather can be a big factor - sometimes it’s snowing, sometimes it’s sunny. Luckily it’s been dry today.
“We’ve done Easter Eggs in the snow before.
“We don’t help anybody, we leave it all to the kids. In fact we don’t even know where they’re hidden, the Easter Bunnies and chicks hide them all!”
Available to find are rubber eggs, of which if three are found, entrants are awarded a small chocolate egg.
Then there are large golden eggs, which have presents inside, and green sparkly eggs, which land their seeker a humongous chocolate egg. There are also smaller chocolates littered around.
The woods are dense and there are plenty of nooks and crannies for things to be hidden in.
It's also very muddy and those taking part are urged to bring their wellies.
An 'Egg-cellent Easter Egg hunter.' was awarded to successful chocolate hunters.
Alfie Perkins, aged eight, and Lucie Hunter, aged 11, found two of the rare sparkly green eggs.
Alfie said: “I found one in the wall. Lucie said ‘it’s not in there’ then I just pulled it out.”
Lucie added: “They were really well hidden.”
It proved a hit for children and parents alike.
Lucie’s mum, Kim Hunter, said: “This is the second time we’ve done it, it’s brilliant.”
Alfie’s mum, Cheryl Perkins, added: “Yes, and the farm is brilliant. We came here last month.”
Lucie told me about her favourite part of the farm: “Holding the rabbits and the chicks. And the ice cream!”
The hunt continues until Easter Monday, with two separate areas for older and younger children.
Smithills Open Farm advises that anyone interested should book ahead. Their website is: https://www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk/
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