Simon Ritchie and family have a relaxing day out at a mini-zoo and rare breeds farm near Leeds.

What and where?

Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre And Rare Breeds Farm, Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire.

Why?

To see at close range a whole host of wild, and not so wild, animals situated in a 20-acre haven of tranquillity.

As soon as you get out of your car, you are greeted by a bunch of curious llamas and friendly donkeys. Down the hill, there are the giant highland cattle and then, once in the farm itself, you come face-to-face with Saddleworth pigs, three rather frisky tortoises and some noisy ducks.

The small animal shed shelters creatures such as guinea pigs, rats, rabbits and chinchillas, and a rather noisy macaw.

There's also the cheeky meerkats, marmoset monkeys, as well as the bird of prey centre, which houses various owls and a kestrel.

But the highlight for our fouryear-old son, Elliot, was the Jurassic centre, home to a host of lizards, iguanas, skinks and snakes. But, wow, was it hot!

And when the children are fed up with the animals, they can enjoy the many play areas dotted around the place.

We spent a good half-hour at one such area - which had so many slides our 19-month-old daughter, Zara, didn't know where to turn.

Ponderosa also boasts sensory gardens, a topiary garden and stunning flower beds, as well as a lake and nature trails.

The centre was set up primarily to help people with learning difficulties learn about horticulture and agriculture, and it has developed from there. It has also branched out into cardboard recycling.

Cardboard collected from local companies is shredded and used for animal bedding on the farm and turned into compost.

The centre also boasts a newly-refurbished craft shop and garden centre selling homemade jams, toys, cards, hanging baskets and pot plants.

Refreshments?

There's a caf selling plenty of cakes and snacks. Tea is only 80p, and coffee £1.20. You can also bring a picnic, and enjoy it at one of the many tables spread around the site.

How to get there.

Turn off M62 at Junction 27 (Ikea) and pick up the A62 towards Huddersfield. Through six sets of traffic lights and turn left into Heckmondwike centre, then turn right at the clock tower. Ponderosa is then sign-posted.

Parking?

Enough for about 200 cars, just a short walk from the entrance.

Disabled access?

Yes, excellent. Asphalt walkways around the farm are suitable for wheelchair and pushchair access.

There are also disabled toilets and disabled play equipment.

Opening times.

10am to 4pm, seven days a week.

Only closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Admission.

Adults £3.50, pensioners and children £3, children under two free.

Family ticket (two adults and two children) £12. Pony rides when available, £1.

Further information.

Phone 01924 235276, email: info@ponderosa-centre.org or visit www. ponderosa-centre. org