People still flocking to Hoo Farm 25 years on

But the focus for the Dorrells has remained the same – making sure the visitors have a good time.

It all started from humble beginnings, as a pick your own Christmas tree farm, and then quickly grew.

Edward Dorrell, 57, one of the founders and a partner in the business today reflected on the experience as the Telford attraction celebrates its anniversary.

He said: "We started off putting signs up saying come and cut your own Christmas trees and people just flocked here. It was the opportunity they were looking for.

"In 1991, we opened Hoo Farm Country Park, and then Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom."

The farm is now a favourite for families, attracting tens of thousands every year. It remains an intimate petting farm, but has made a name for itself with its sheep racing.

Carolyn Dorrell, Edward's wife and Hoo Farm founder, 62, said: "We'd moved here as a family and brought some pets, and when people came to get their Christmas trees they wanted to see the goats, sheep and horses. Of course they got very interested and it went from there.

"We hadn't really thought about doing that, but after a few years we opened weekends, then it was an extra day and another day and suddenly we were open seven days a week."

Rebecca Hindle, 37, the couple's eldest daughter who now works at the international centre, said: "It's funny how it's changed, but it's always been based on what people want from a day out.

"When it first started we were only little but what people were looking for was the traditional farm animals and things because they didn't have access to them.

"Then we started getting the next thing that'd be interesting. It started with llamas, deer and ostriches because they were classed as unusual. You look at it now in comparison to what it was 20 years ago and people want something else."

Middle daughter Rachel Moruzzi, 35, said: "People's expectations are no longer what they used to be. They want an experience now. People want something new every time they come."

The highlights of the early farm included milking demonstrations where youngsters could learn about the crucial part of farm life. But health and safety rules mean that children can no longer get involved in the task – another major change over the years.

The sisters helped out on the farm when they were children and youngest child Will joined the team as soon as he was old enough. Edward said: "One of the things that happen is because we're in the tourist industry and the whole family was involved, school holidays became our harvest. Thankfully we were in the days before getting fined for taking kids out of term time or else it would be absolute impossible for us to get a holiday."

Rebecca said: "It was just accepted as one of those things. At the end of the day that was what our parents did to make a living.

"We had a very privileged upbringing because of the farm and the experiences we could have because of the animals."

Will, now 25, along with his wife Rebecca, 24, have become the driving force at Hoo Farm, pushing forward new ideas and attractions that would have seemed completely out of reach 25 years ago. Will said there were about 15 new attractions there this year, including new animals and photography opportunities for groups.

The husband and wife team continue the long tradition of working together on the farm. Rebecca came to Hoo Farm on work experience, but never thought she'd be joining the family. She said: "I have photos from seven years ago and it's incredible how much it's changed since then."

Will said: "A lot of the things actually come from Becky – I'll think about it for a couple of days then pretend it's my idea.

"You're always working. You never get time off. You work hard, but you have to make a point of enjoying holidays and things like that. We're lucky that we can do it."