Children at a nursery were given a taste of rural life after a charity donation was used to invite a local farm to bring in animals.

Ilford Recorder: Grace, three, Hassan, two, and Arif, two, get close to a duckGrace, three, Hassan, two, and Arif, two, get close to a duck (Image: Archant)

Zig Zags Nursery, Wellwood Road, Goodmayes, received the donation from Marilyn Appiah, 18, who is on work experience at the nursery

Ilford Recorder: Grace, three, Hassan, two, and Arif, two, get close to a duckGrace, three, Hassan, two, and Arif, two, get close to a duck (Image: Archant)

Marilyn was honoured with a Jack Petchey award for her work, which comes with £200 to be spent on a school, club or community project of the recipient’s choice.

Ilford Recorder: Grace, three, Hassan, two, and Arif, two, get close to a duckGrace, three, Hassan, two, and Arif, two, get close to a duck (Image: Archant)

The Jack Petchey Foundation recognises the achievements of young people across Essex and London. Marilyn donated the money from the award to Zig Zags, who decided to spend it on inviting Wellgate Community Farm, Romford, to bring their animals into the nursery.