Love was in the air at Cannon Hall Farm Park when new-born animals arrived on Valentines Day.

One lamb and 29 piglets melted hearts when they arrived early at the Cawthorne attraction.

Staff called the female rare breed Soay lamb Valentine after it was born just before 1am, weighing just a tiny one pound.

The litters of two Large White Cross Hampshire sows followed shortly after, surprising staff who had expected them to be born near to the February half term.

Another two lambs were born on Sunday, signalling that the lambing season is now officially underway at the farm.

It marks the start of a busy season for farmer Robert Nicholson, who will help deliver 450 lambs between now and Easter.

He said: “Love seemed to be in the air when the animals gave birth on Valentines Day.

“They were born a bit early but it’s just one of those things and I hope their arrival marks the start of spring, however optimistic that may be.

“We are keeping them warm and ensuring that they are feeding and are getting prepared for a frenzy of lambing activity.

“We just hope that the weather is on our side.”

A new large rare breeds barn with a viewing gallery has been opened at the farm this year which Robert hopes will house some of the new arrivals.

He said: “As quite a few rare breeds are expected to be born, perhaps we could even race them on the sheep racing track to find out which is the fastest breed.”

All visitors to the farm are welcome to give their suggestions for names for the baby animals when they are born.

Lots of activities are planned at the farm this term, including sheep and ferret racing, tractor and trailer rides, a farmyard quiz and children’s craft activities.

Dailu milking demonstrations are also now taking place at the new milking parlour.

Robert added: “The milking parlour is really popular and has been a great addition.

“We now have 50 sows which means two or three litters of piglets are born every week”

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