Gambolling’s allowed at lamb races

9:11am Monday 5th May 2008

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A woolly equivalent of the Grand National gets under starter's orders on Saturday.

It will be a new take on an event which was held many years ago, but which died out, say the organisers, Settle District Young Farmers.

Visitors to the event, near Austwick, will see Mint Sauce and Lamb Rover, among others, race down an enclosed track back to their mothers at the other end, with crowds of spectators cheering on their favourite.

"You always see lambs running about in the fields, so I think they will like it," said Ian Sedgwick, of Burton-in-Lonsdale Young Farmers.

The day will consist of six races with six lambs running in each, and other attractions will include trade stands, a car boot sale, bouncy castle, face painting, a sheep clipping display and a "one man and his dog" demonstration.

As well as providing family fun, Young Farmers are holding the event to attract new members, raise their profile in the local area and raise much-needed funds. Mr Sedgwick said: "Young Farmers is a great youth organisation and we hope that potential new members and their families will come along to the lamb race and see how to get involved."

The fun begins at 11am and the venue, just off the A65, will be well signposted, say organisers.