Two mothers have given the term 'party animals' a whole new meaning.

Angela Radford and Sarah Crane, from East Hagbourne, near Didcot, started the entertainment company Ponies 4 Parties in June, providing pony rides at children's parties.

The idea was a huge hit, with kids and parents all over the country keen to take a walk on the wild side.

Now the company has expanded to include a tarantula, a corn snake, goats, rabbits and chickens.

Mrs Radford said:"So many children don't get the opportunity to ride or it's very expensive. We have basically opened that up and we can do it in a party situation so it covers a lot of bases.

"It's great for children and adults as they get to do something new."

Both Mrs Radford and Mrs Crane have young children of their own and said they were looking to start a business that would fit around the school run and child care.

"They say don't work with animals or children, but we have combined the two and it's turned into a really positive thing," said Mrs Radford.

"It shows people love to be around animals but they know taking care of them is a big commitment. If parents are working and kids are at school then it's difficult so people have less pets."

She said the company, which caters for children from the age of two up to teenagers, now had a host of farm animals and pets, including goats, chickens and rabbits, along with reptiles and spiders.

But it is the ponies that are still stealing the show.

Mrs Redford added: "The reaction from children when the ponies come out is just wonderful.

"They have a pony in their back garden. What could be better than that at a surprise party?"

For more information visit www.ponies4parties.co.uk