A PAIR of Malmesbury farmers were shocked last week, when they found that one of their rare sheep had given birth, six months out of season.

Phil and Deborah Neal, of Abbey View Farm, keep a rare breed of sheep called soays that normally give birth in March or April.

However, on a morning visit to their flock last week, Deborah found a baby lamb had been born.

“I went down to see the sheep this morning [October 5] and the lamb was just there,” said Deborah.

“We had one lamb born at the end of August and thought it was a fluke, but then we went up the field and found another.

“We didn’t have a clue the mother was pregnant. It wasn’t showing any signs of being large or anything.”

There are only around 1,500 soays in the UK, making it on a watch list for rare breeds.

Due to the cold conditions the lamb will be brought into the warmth for the first few days before it is ready to brave the cold in the field.

“I always bring them in when they lamb,” said Deborah.

“I’ll keep her in for a few days then she’ll be going out. Fingers crossed she’ll be ok.

“It should be ok; it’s a pretty hardy breed.”