YOUNGSTERS made the most of their school break by getting up close and personal with animals at Walton Hall and Gardens children's zoo.

Children got a feel for what it is like being a zoo keeper following the launch of Animal Hour, which was led by new ranger Ricky Tickner, aged 22, on October 24 and 26.

Sessions, which cost £5, gave them the chance to feed chickens, meet goats, visit the pets' corner and groom ponies and donkeys.

The two days proved to be a hit and the majority of the sessions were fully booked.

Animal Hour is set to return in the 'near future' and Ricky, from Runcorn, also confirmed he is looking forward to hosting birthday parties at the zoo.

"I really enjoyed the sessions, they went so well and were a great experience," he said.

"I was amazed just how much the kids got stuck in – they loved the activities that we put on."

Ricky carried out more than 150 hours of volunteering work at the zoo before being offered a part-time position in September.

And he said rangers Peter Cookson-Dean and Liz Rowlands have helped him adjust to the position easily.

He added: "The best thing about the job is being able to talk to people and work with animals.

"People say not to work with animals and children but I do and I love it."

Despite not being scared of any animals he admits he has had to overcome a few frights.

"I had a fear of crickets and grasshoppers but I held a cricket the other day, which was quite brave of me," added the Reaseheath College student.