MID Cheshire's top tourist attraction has reopened in time for Christmas.

Tatton Park's Home Farm had been closed for nine months because of foot and mouth restrictions.

Tatton chiefs were unwilling to expose rare breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs to potential infection and were resigned to cancelling festive fun down on the farm.

'It was not an easy decision to take but the all-clear in Cheshire and improvement in the national situation was a major factor,' said community development chairman Nora Stopford, a Weaverham councillor.

'The farm grotto and nativity has become a huge favourite. More than 4,500 youngsters were here last Christmas.'

The 30-acre farm attracts about 50,000 visitors each year and animals used to company on such a vast scale have been noticeably subdued by their enforced quarantine.

Farm ranger Jayne Chapman said: 'They love the children, respond to all the attention and have obviously been missing our visitors a great deal.

Jayne added: 'The last nine months have been difficult for all of us, animals and staff, but the alternative could have been heartbreaking.'

Two of the Home Farm cast have a special reason for welcoming the reopening.

Last year donkeys Dotty and Mo starred in the nativity but were fed so much by young admirers that they had to go on a strict diet for a month.

Brendan Flanagan, Tatton's general manager, added: 'Christmas at Tatton is always a special time, when the spirit and traditions of the place seem to come alive.

'Father Christmas would have still have been able to visit Tatton Park, but I am sure he will be pleased we can keep the tradition alive and reopen the farm.'

Festivities include candlelit evenings and gift fairs in the decorated mansion house and seasonal concerts, parties, decoration-making demonstrations and Christmas shopping in the estate's housekeeper store, garden and gift shops.

* Programme details are available on 01625 534400 or www.tattonpark.org.uk