PENNYWELL Farm has been closed to the public,meaning one lucky little girl has had the run of the place all to herself.

The popular tourist attraction near Buckfastleigh has been going for some 30 years and would normally be packed over the Easter weekend. Sadly, they have had to close the gates to visitors following lockdown regulations, and most of the Pennywell staff have been furloughed.

But that didn’t stop Cecilia Murray, right, the 13-month-old granddaughter of Pennywell founder Chris Murray. She was able to make friends with Primrose, a three-day-old Anglo Nubian goat kid.

Chris said: ‘The usual hustle and bustle that happens on a daily basis at this time of year hasn’t materialised.

‘But it would seem that nobody told the animals! Our dedicated animal team of four at Pennywell, led by animal supervisor, Hannah Pattle, have continued to work through the crisis.’

As well as caring for miniature ponies, donkeys, heavy horses, alpacas, pets and farm animals, staff have had plenty of spring arrivals to care for, ready for the Easter holidays.

Not one, but two litters, of the world-famous Pennywell miniature pigs have been born during lockdown. Bramble gave birth to seven piglets, followed a week later by Chloe with her litter of 10.

Chris said: ‘Both mums and their offspring are doing well. There have also been four new goat kids, the first quads to be born in four years. Mum Elsa, one of Pennywell’s milking goats, is delighted to have had two nanny and two billy kids!

Hannah explained: ‘We normally have lots of animals born around Easter and it’s always fantastic to have so much new life on the farm for the visitors to enjoy during the Easter holidays. Sadly, this year they will only have the animal team for company.’

Pennywell would normally be welcoming thousands of visitors over the Easter period.

Owner Chris said: ‘Obviously it is the right thing for the farm to be closed for the safety of our visitors and team, but we do look forward to welcoming our visitors back to enjoy all our lovely animals.

‘We have promised anyone who has bought day or event tickets that these will be honoured at a later date. We just want everybody to stay safe and come through this.’