Spring was definitely in the air as more than 1,600 visitors enjoyed a day out in the sunshine meeting dozens of new-born lambs.

The Spring Family Farm Day hosted by Suffolk Rural (formerly Otley College) was blessed with fine seasonal weather as it celebrated and championed land-based careers.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Gordon family enjoying the Spring Family Farm Day at Suffolk RuralThe Gordon family enjoying the Spring Family Farm Day at Suffolk Rural (Image: Suffolk Rural)

Guests had the chance to meet some of the 54 new-born Lleyn lambs, a baby Guernsey goat, Red Poll cattle and some alpacas.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lottie enjoying herself with the lambs at Suffolk RuralLottie enjoying herself with the lambs at Suffolk Rural (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Other activities included face painting, dog agility, equine activities and the animal studies department gave out information and helped raise money for a local charity called Poppy’s Crèche.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tate on a tractor - part of the fun at the Suffolk Rural farm day aimed at encouraging interest in careers on the landTate on a tractor - part of the fun at the Suffolk Rural farm day aimed at encouraging interest in careers on the land (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary also attended and food was provided by a team from Suffolk New College’s restaurant Chefs’ Whites.

East Anglian Daily Times: Student Spencer Campbell at the Suffolk Rural eventStudent Spencer Campbell at the Suffolk Rural event (Image: Suffolk Rural)

Farm manager at Suffolk Rural, Patrick Wrenn said: “It was brilliant to see so many happy visitors, the weather was perfect and we look forward to our Big Day Out in May where we get to do it all again on a bigger scale.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Archer with a baby lamb at the day outArcher with a baby lamb at the day out (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Among those enjoying the day were Rachel Southgate, from Ipswich, who attended with her son Jack. She said: “We were excited to come along – it’s really lovely to see the animals close up.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Freya gets up close with a lamb at the Suffolk Rural eventFreya gets up close with a lamb at the Suffolk Rural event (Image: Charlotte Bond)

College spokesperson for the event, head of land-based studies Lynsey Wilson said: “I’d like to thank the public for supporting us. I would also like to congratulate all the staff and students for putting on such a great event. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our family fun day The Big Day Out on Saturday, May 7.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Mums and lambs at the Suffolk Rural (previously Otley College) farm day out eventMums and lambs at the Suffolk Rural (previously Otley College) farm day out event (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: Jack and Rachel Southgate enjoy meeting the animalsJack and Rachel Southgate enjoy meeting the animals (Image: Suffolk Rural)

East Anglian Daily Times: Mrs Ockelton and her daughter at the face painting at the farm day out at Suffolk RuralMrs Ockelton and her daughter at the face painting at the farm day out at Suffolk Rural (Image: Suffolk Rural)

East Anglian Daily Times: Rupert the dog with his owner Yvonne Hope at the Suffolk Rural eventRupert the dog with his owner Yvonne Hope at the Suffolk Rural event (Image: Suffolk Rural)