THOUSANDS will flock to Sparsholt College this weekend to witness the live births of hundreds of lambs.

Around 6,000 people are expected to watch as babies are delivered at the annual lambing weekend on January 24 and 25.

Shepherd John Garrett will lead the delivery with help from agriculture students.

Doors will open from 9.30am to 3.30pm for families to watch the lambing at close quarters or via video screen.

The flock has been birthing since New Year’s Day, with 471 lambs due over the weekend including 28 sets of triplets and one quadruplet birth.

Mr Garrett said: “It’s a fun day out for all the family and we always get some great questions from the younger members of the audience who are fascinated by the whole experience.

“We regularly have visitors who come back year on year as there aren’t many opportunities for the general public to get this close to nature. It is fascinating and a privilege to watch any animals being born.”

Pony rides, horse petting, face painting, puzzles, tractor and trailer rides and more will be available to keep children entertained.

Women who are, or could be, pregnant are urged to stay away as lambing flocks pose disease risks which can lead to miscarriage.

Tickets cost £6 for adults and £3.50 for children or £16 for a family of four. Under-threes go free.