THE first lambs of the year in Worcestershire were welcomed into the world this week.

Although the little bundles of wool are more commonly seen during the early spring, Westolhall farm, Radford, near Inkberrow, saw their first lambs on New Year's Day. Phillip Curnock, who has been farming for the best part of 40 years, said about 300 lambs are due now and another 200 expected in April. He said: "These ones were a little early. You never know when you go to bed if they will be there in the morning. It really is a 24-hour job."