GAZETTE & HERALD: RARE Manx Loghtan lambs were the star attraction for young visitors to Langley Chase Organic Farm, near Chippenham.

Children from the Sutton Benger Pre-school, the Benger Bears, took a day out of the classroom to visit the farm last week.

The 25 youngsters spent a happy morning learning all about sheep breeding and farming and relished the chance to bottle feed the tame lamb, Lambie.

The first treat of the morning was a walk to the field to see the lambs and their mothers in their natural surroundings, and to take a walk round the pond.

Langley Chase's owner Jane Kallaway gave teachers a list of useful information about what to look out for, such as the hedgerows, buildings and crops, and the youngsters were shown a stretch of traditionally cut and laid hedgerow.

After looking at the farm's red Massey Fergusson tractor, they went to see the lambs born that morning and were given a chance to hold one.

Mrs Kallaway then called the two-week-old Lambie, and to the delight of the children he came hurtling into the barn to get a feed.

After lots of hand washing the children tucked in to biscuits and drinks before heading off to see the three rare breed rams that have impressive curling horns.

Around 60 lambs have been born so far this year, and about eight ewes are still waiting to give birth.

The farm has a flock of 85 sheep but there are plans to build up the numbers by keeping some of the ewe lambs for breeding stock this year.

Mrs Kallaway said the young visitors were thrilled to see the ewes and their lambs and asked lots of questions about them.

"I think it is great for them to connect with the animals, and to see the relationship between the mother and her lambs.

"I explained that after 24 hours peace and quiet together, the ewe and her lamb can understand each other's language each lamb knows its mother's voice.

"It is also great for the children to have some space to run around."

The flock of Manx Loghtans, a breed that was first brought to Britain by the Vikings, has regularly won awards for the quality of its meat.

The ancient breed produces meat lower in fat and cholesterol than modern commercial breeds.

At Langley Chase the emphasis is on giving the flock a stress-free life.

The sheep are not given hormone treatments and the lambs, born in March and April, are allowed to mature slowly and naturally, without the use of artificial growth promoters.

The farm is managed to Soil Association organic standards and the flock is given free rein of rich organic pasture.

The organic lamb has won many prestigious awards, including the lamb category of the Soil Association's Organic Food Awards, and it has been applauded by top chefs such as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Mark Hix.

The Sutton Benger Toddler Group and Year 1 from Langley Fitzurse Primary School have also visited Langley Chase, and Mrs Kallaway is keen to welcome visits from other school groups.

Schools interested can visit the farm's website on www.langleychase.co.uk