SOUTH Lakes Wild Animal Park provided the exotic backdrop for event to raise cash for the work of Barnardo's charity back in 2000

Youngsters got a chance to see some exotic wildlife and help raise hundreds of pounds for charity as they took a sponsored toddle around the South Lakes Wild Animal Park 20 years ago.

Hundreds of Furness toddlers were given a trip of a lifetime at their local zoo - and all in aid of charity.

The youngsters went with their parents to walk around a course in the animal park at Dalton to raise money for Barnardo's.

The initiative has been taking place at venues all over Britain, with the zoo teaming up to stage the event.

This gave many of them their first chance to get up close with some of the zoo's incredible residents.