THOUSANDS flocked to a Winchester college this weekend to welcome lambs as the first sign of Spring.

Families watched the live births of hundreds of animals as Sparsholt College opened the barn doors for its annual lambing weekend.

The vast farm became a funfair for around 6,000 people, complete with animal rides, petting and activities.

Children watched at close quarters as students and shepherd John Garrett delivered 471 tiny lambs, traditionally seen as the herald of a new season.

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The weekend arrivals included 28 triplets and one set of quadruplets.

A team of agriculture students spent six weeks preparing ewes, rising as early as 3am to tend to the flock.

Mr Garrett hopes youngsters coming to watch will be inspired to pursue careers in agriculture and science.

“It's really worthwhile - it's something that not everyone can see,” he said.

“There's a lot of jobs out there, a lot of young people who are getting jobs.

“It's good seeing what we do at the college and how we train people.”

This is the 11th year the college has opened its doors to the public. Children gawped at cows and horses, enjoying pony rides, tractors, machines, crafts and lessons on the great outdoors.

“They're loving it,” said mother-of-two Claire Sutton, from Salisbury. “And not just the lambing, all the other bits as well.

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“It makes them more rounded. They're just aware of things around them a little bit more - not just their own immediate circle.

“[People] are trying to get outside and get more fresh air.”

Pictures by Chris Moorhouse