ALPACAS, Shetland ponies, and goats, oh my!

Plenty of animals from Chloe’s Mobile Farm were on hand at the Savernake Street Social Hall on Sunday for visitors to pet and hold.

They were brought along as part of the centre’s Wellbeing Communi-tea event.

Inside the hall, kids enjoyed stories from the Swindon Libraries Library Bike Storytime team, and getting arty with some colourful rock-painting.

Tallis Kimberley-Fairbourne entertained visitors with acoustic songs.

Parents could also chill inside the community centre with a cuppa and a chat.

Tori Mitchell from Kingshill brought her two daughters, eight-year-old Freya and four-year-old Ilsa, along to the afternoon event.

Tori said: “They’ve all really enjoyed it.

“We’ve seen adverts for lots of events at the hall which seemed interesting but this is the first one we’ve been able to go to.

“Ilsa liked seeing the baby goats, and Freya got to cuddle one.

“The rock-painting has been fun, it’s nice that they’re able to get creative without worrying about making a mess.

Katehrine Mitchell, no relation, popped in with seven of her friends and family members while on a day-trip from Wigan.

She said: “Rebecca is the secretary at the centre and she invited us to come along when we mentioned that we were visiting friends in Swindon.

“It’s been a lovely day.

“We’ve been out here with the animals all afternoon, letting the kids touch and interact with them is really important.

“All the kids with us, from eight to 15, have really enjoyed themselves.”

Anish Harrison, the social hall’s events co-ordinator, said: “It’s been manic, a really really busy afternoon.

“Each time we host an event, we try to have a different theme.

“This one is all about well-being and feeling good in the lovely sunshine.

“Being around animals is a wonderful stress reliever, and cuddling guinea pigs and rabbits can be quite soothing.

“We also heard some great songs from Tallis about nature and well-being.

“It’s really good for the community to connect with each other at events like this, it gives a sense of social cohesion.”