OUR lambing season normally starts between Christmas and New Year, but I had the pleasant task of one last week.

Lambs, like most animals are born with their head between the front legs.

However, with their long limbs and flexible necks, things can easily become mixed up or just stuck in the wrong place.

This particular lamb just had its head out of the ewe with its front legs tucked right behind it.

Normally this is a simple matter of pushing the head back into the ewe and bringing the legs forward. However, as most farmers know, the head can easily swell up, and this one was huge.

Thankfully, I had two strong people to hold the ewe up for a while so that I could free the legs. He came out alive, a bit groggy, but was very soon bleating out for mum.

My best wishes to all in the farming community for a Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2011.