MEET Holly and Ivy — twin calves born just days before Christmas at Smithills Open Farm.

And they are not the only new additions at the farm, with 14 -week-old Spider the donkey and five-week-old Peppa Pig the piglet also getting into the festive spirit.

Visitors to the farm were also able see the animals on Christmas Eve, when a special guest making an appearance.

Farmer Carl Grimshaw, aged 29, who has worked at Smithills since leaving school, said: “I enjoy Christmas a lot. I love being around the animals and seeing how they are.

“The animals have been absolutely fine, even with this cold weather.

“It can be hard at Christmas when you’re doing the farm work and seeing the family, but it’s good fun.”

He added: “We always run this event called Funday, which this year was on Christmas Eve.

“Father Christmas arrives at the farm, but nobody knows how — it adds to the surprise.”

Mandy Fielding, who works at the farm, said the positive vibe at the farm is a result of team work and hard graft.

She said: “I love Christmas, it’s just a fantastic time of year. The atmosphere round here at Christmas is really good, especially when you see the joy etched on children’s faces.

“If any jobs come up, we just buckle down and all get stuck in. All the staff pull together.”

The farm is open every day, from 10am until 5pm, except today and New Year's Day.