ONE of West Somerset's newest tourist attractions - Doniford Farm Park - is celebrating after winning the go-ahead to show off all its residents to the public.

Kay and Steve Clothier opened the facility on the outskirts of Watchet in April.

But the animal addicts, who have turned a hobby into a full-time occupation, were still waiting for a zoo licence.

They had applied to West Somerset Council in January and were expecting it would be processed within three months.

But the licence only came through last Friday, meaning the farm park's more exotic inhabitants have been out of bounds to visitors.

"Unfortunately, their enclosures have had to be boarded up but we're delighted we're at last able to show off our new arrivals, including our baby maras and coatis, as well as all our other animals," said Steve.

The Clothiers bought the farm in September 2010 and set about turning the area around the 14th century Grade Two listed farmhouse into a series of craft workshops, shop, cafe, exhibition area and animal enclosures, along with a 41-space car park.

The couple had owned a collection of rare breeds of sheep and goats, along with alpacas, ponies, donkeys, poultry, racoons, giant tortoises, maras and owls for more than six years.

Entry is free to the farm park and the attraction is open seven days a week.

"The weather hasn't helped the number of visitors but last weekend was actually really good," said Steve.

"I think people must have heard on the jungle drums that we now have a licence and that at last they can see all the animals."

The farm park is open from 10am to 5pm daily, except Sundays when it closes at 4pm.