SKIPTON'S latest Springwatch event has been hailed a great success, with many families saying it was the best ever.

The glorious sunshine brought out families in their droves with more than 300 people enjoying the attractions.

The petting zoo was a big hit. Children were able to hold the smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs and pet the larger animals such as Rachel the calf. Youngsters also enjoyed taking the miniature goats, Inky and Dinky, on walks on leads around the playground.

The police safer neighbourhood team was kept busy with visits to the van and children enjoyed having their fingerprints taken for offences such as “not tidying their bedrooms"!

The event used the whole shared Brougham Street site of primary school, nursery school and children’s centre.

Caroline Porter, centre manager, said: “I was a really lovely day. It was a pleasure to see so many local families having fun together in the sunshine. The children were so busy and fully engaged in all the activities.

"We are so grateful to our partners such as Craven Curlews, North Yorkshire Police and the National Trust for continuing to support this event and to families for coming along and making all the effort worthwhile.

"We look forward to seeing everyone again at Autumn Watch in October.”