ONE of the region's most popular children's show farms will reopen its gates to the public this Saturday - one year to the day after losing its animals to foot-and-mouth.

Hall Hill Farm, near Lanchester, will be re-opened by farmer Jack Gibson and his ten-year-old grandson Richard with help from llamas, lambs and chicks.

Mr Gibson has farmed at Hall Hill since 1956 and first opened to visitors 21 years ago. Dozens of people wrote in to express their sympathy with the owners when many of the show creatures had to be slaughtered. New animals include Primrose the Jersey cow, Highland cattle with a calf, a Manx ram, Southdown sheep and new llamas.

Mr Gibson said: "Last year was a dreadful experience to go through. It was so very sad, not only for ourselves but for all the friends and visitors who regularly visited the farm."

Hall Hill Farm, on the B6296 Lanchester to Satley road, will be open seven days a week, 10.30am-5pm, until September 2. Call (01388) 730300 for details.