Terminally ill children learnt what it is like to be a farmer for the day at a special event at a Mill Hill petting zoo.

More than 250 seriously ill children and their families flocked to Belmont Children’s Farm, in The Ridgeway, for the summer party on Wednesday, July 31.

The young guests were given the chance to ride a tractor and learn about what life is like at the petting zoo.

Farmers also taught the children about the various creepy crawlies and animals who live at the petting zoo – including rabbits, lambs and sheep.

Children were also given a tour of the farm on a treasure hunt, with face painting, mini-golf tournaments, unicycle lessons, and a tug of war competition among other activities.

The day was organized by Starlight, a charity which grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes for seriously ill and terminal children.

Children from hospitals all across London were invited to the event.

Neil Swan, chief executive of the Starlight Foundation, said: “The summer holidays can be a particularly gloomy time for children suffering from a serious illness.

“The summer party at Belmont Farm was a wonderful day out for our young guests, and we are immensely grateful to the team and our volunteers for making it such a special event.”