EVEN Scrooge wouldn’t be able to say ‘Baa humbug’ in Bournemouth Square this Christmas.

For the famously cheerless character couldn’t help but enjoy himself as he met sheep, goats and ponies as part of a festive fair in the heart of the town.

The animals, who are visiting Bournemouth from a farm in Maidenhead, Berkshire, will be on show every weekend until Christmas.

Matthew Pearce, a third year student from Bournemouth University, handed out animal feed to youngsters throughout the weekend.

He said: “We’ve been absolutely swamped. We’ll be here every weekend until 6pm, so there’ll be lots of opportunities for people to come along and meet the animals. The atmosphere has been great – there’s been a lot of interest.”

Five-year-old Morgan Wadeson, of Ferndown, fed the goats on the first day of the display.

Mum Tracy said: “He’s having an absolutely smashing time. He just loves animals and he’s really enjoying himself.”

Four-year-old Vinnie Cropp, who attends Mudeford Junior School, looked particularly festive as he petted the two ponies on show.

He wore his own special Santa hat for the occasion.

Nine-year-old Amy Elves-Francis, a Turlin Moor Community School pupil, was also befriended by the little ponies.

Grandmother Janice Morrell said: “Amy’s really looking forward to Christmas.

“She’s in the choir at school so she’ll be singing lots of Christmas carols for us all.”

And tiny Heather Walmsley, four, was having a lovely time at the festive zoo with mum Jennifer Hutchison.

Jennifer said: “It’s fantastic here. It’s such a nice thing to have for families just before Christmas.”