A hen and a lamb were among the animals who made an appearance at a shopping centre today as it revealed its charity of the year.

YMCA-run Brooks Farm Outdoor Learning Centre, based in Skeltons Lane Park, Leyton, was unveiled today as the 2015 charity of Walthamstow’s The Mall.

The farm, which has been open for over 20 years and is free to attend, is reliant on donations as it costs £800 a day to run.

Mike Wilson, Brooks Farm animal care and site officer, said: "Through our partnership we will be able to showcase the opportunities available for people at Brooks Farm – from animal handling, to volunteering to education visits.

“It will also enable us to extend our reach beyond the immediate community, and hopefully raise much-needed funds to support the work that we do."