Longdown Activity Farm reopens today (but you must book your tickets online)

Longdown Activity Farm in Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, has been busy preparing to welcome visitors again for the first time since it was forced to close in March.

Hundreds of people have taken to social media celebrate the news that the family-friendly site is back in business.

One woman posted: "So thrilled to hear this. You must be so relieved."

One of Longdown's other supporters added: "Great place to visit. It was one of the last days out I had with my late wife."

In common with other attractions the three-acre farm has taken a large number of measures to keep people safe from coronavirus.

Anyone planning a day of farmyard fun must pre-book their tickets online, selecting a date and time of arrival.

Season ticket holders will be given priority for the first few days but extra bookings will be available for all visitors from next Thursday.

Posting on social media staff said: "In order to comply with Covid-19 guidelines, you will notice lots of small differences in the way we must manage the farm.

"Most of our daily activities are still available, as well as our outdoor play areas and ride-on toys, but there are exclusions on indoor play. Unfortunately there will be no egg collecting for now.

"Our tearoom and kiosk will be open, with outdoor seating and a limited amount of covered seating provided nearby.

"You will, of course, still get to meet all our animals who have been waiting patiently to see you."

As reported in the Daily Echo, the start of the lockdown and the sudden absence of visitors left the attraction short of money.

Faced with the problem of how to feed his animals owner Bryan Pass launched an emergency fundraising appeal which netted £30,000 - far exceeding its £5,000 target.

Supporters of the farm have described its reopening as the "best news ever".

One person posted: "I appreciate it won't be quite the same but I've come to your farm for years. I just love it."