ONLY when you venture into the great outdoors can you appreciate what sets the Children's Adventure Farm apart from your common youth club.

Despite all the goodies contained within the old farmhouse, youngsters voted with their feet and were determined to road test the farm's outdoor pursuits.

Chief favourite among the kids - and photographers, it seems - was the adventure playground, complete with an army-style zip line.

Youngsters from Chaigeley School, in Thelwall, were having a whale of a time there and on a nearby climbing wall and assault course.

And you can't beat the sight - or attraction - of a massive bouncy castle on a hot summer's day.

There are more gentle activities on offer though, as our guide Helen demonstrated.

Young people are encouraged to get their hands dirty working on the farm's vegetable patch and greenhouse, help care for the sheep in a neighbouring field and collect the eggs from the henhouse.

Wildlife lovers can also spy on a well-used pond area from a specially adapted hide within the henhouse.

Tucked away nearby is a patio area, which plays host to regular end-of-week barbecues and discos for youngsters.

The weekly get-togethers also allow companies and groups, which support the trust's work, to meet the children face-to-face and see what enjoyment their contributions can generate.