New friends have been welcomed to an animal centre following the completion of a year’s upgrading work.

The Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre, near Heckmondwike, welcomed eight new additions to its enclosures, including two bennett’s wallabies and two patagonian maras – which are part of the rodent family.

They also welcomed two tri-coloured squirrels and two lesser hairy armadillos.

Katie Rawnsley, weekend manager at the centre, said: “The idea behind the upgrade is to improve education. We do a lot of guided tours around the centre. Since the upgrade we have had great feedback from regular visitors to the centre who have said they think the improvements and new enclosures are really good.”

Pirate ships have also made a bright addition to the park.