IT'S a sure sign the farming year has begun when the first lambs arrive and they're doing well at Bosworth Farm, Madresfield, with its picturesque backdrop of the Malvern Hills.

The Page family has farmed Bosworth since 1932, when Gerald Page arrived.

However, although Gerald is still going strong, operations are now under the control of his son Steve, who took over in 1996.

Steve runs a a herd of 50 dairy cows and a flock of 750 ewes - some of which began lambing over Christmas.

"The lambs have been very good quality this time," he said.

"We only have a few ewes left to lamb from our first lot and the main batch is due to begin on February 16."

Steve's wife Julie is a nurse and it looks as though their two sons are destined for careers away from the farm too.

"Andrew, who is aged seven, wants to play for Manchester United and five-year-old William aims to be a professional rugby player," said their dad.

"I think they're very wise."