TWO thousand people witnessed the miracle of birth when Sparsholt College opened its doors at lambing time.

It is the first time the agricultural college has opened its doors to the public for the five-week season.

The 300-strong flock of ewes are about half way through the annual season, which will produce an expected 600 lambs.

Shepherd John Garrett was kept busy looking after the ewes in the birthing barn at Home Farm as well as giving a running commentary to the spectators.

A college spokesman said they were delighted by the success of the event and would be doing it again next year.

Visitors were able to gain an exceptional insight into commercial farm livestock enterprises, including tours of the beef barn and to the dairy, where milking took place.

Farm manager Graham Boyt was pleased with the way the event had gone.

He said: "I hope we've provided some good education for people who haven't seen all this before and helped visitors understand a little more about the agricultural industry of today."