SPARSHOLT College opened its doors of its animal centre for a weekend of festive frolicking.

Visitors on Saturday and Sunday (DEC8-9) were able to meet animals that usually only the students see.

The animal management centre at the college near Winchester has some 500 animals from 100 species including red panda, meerkats, marmoset monkeys, reptiles, amphibians, birds and three donkeys.

The public enjoyed seasonal activities such as Christmas card making, a pantomime-themed quiz, face painting.

Catharine Potter, centre deputy manager, said: “We have some fascinating animals here and normally it is just our students who get to see them. So it’s great to open our doors to the public so they can enjoy the animals and meet some of the keepers here.”