Gallery: Name search for new reindeer at Sandwell Park Farm

Becoming a permanent fixture at Sandwell Park Farm, the two young animals have moved in and over the holidays a special competition will be organised to enable youngsters across the borough and beyond to name the two new arrivals.

Councillor Maria Crompton, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: "We are expecting a lot of interest in children wanting to get a sight of the new reindeer.

"They are beautiful and I had a lovely time with them. They were a bit timid to start with as they are so young, but with the handlers' going in every day, I'm sure they will be more than comfortable by the time the Easter holidays come around.

"We will be telling the kids that Santa came back to Sandwell and left two of his young reindeer with us to look after them until Christmas.

"They will be able to enter the competition to name the newcomers and there will be a prize of a cuddly reindeer soft toys for the winners."

The reindeer competition will be just one of the activities at Sandwell Valley over the holidays, which will include a craft fair and a variety of craft sessions.

A new interactive indoor play space within the visitor centre will be open for the first time, with storytelling and children's arts and crafts on Tuesdays and forest play and forest friends sessions on Wednesdays.

There will also be meet-the-farmer animal handling sessions and youngsters will get the opportunity to see newborn lambs and take part in the various outside activities, such as cycle hire, tennis and the adventure playground.

At Christmas reindeers Candycane and Gingerbread gave visitors a real festive feeling after visiting the park for the very first time.

For more information contact Sandwell Park Farm reception on 01215693070.