New-born lambs must be one of the loveliest sights of spring in East Anglia each year.

Ipswich Star: Feeding spring lambs at the annual Easter egg hunt at the Anchor Inn Heritage Farm, Nayland, near Colchester in 2009Feeding spring lambs at the annual Easter egg hunt at the Anchor Inn Heritage Farm, Nayland, near Colchester in 2009 (Image: Archant)

Children in particular are thrilled by getting a close-up view of these adorable new arrivals, with many farms around the area normally holding lambing events each year.

Ipswich Star: Children help to feed a lamb at Thorpe Hall Farm, Grundisburgh, in February 1969Children help to feed a lamb at Thorpe Hall Farm, Grundisburgh, in February 1969 (Image: Archant)

Sadly, the public can't currently be welcomed to see lambs as usual in Suffolk and Essex, due to lockdown restrictions.

Ipswich Star: DJ David Hamilton at Parkers Garden Company in Frinton feeding spring lambs with youngsters who had taken part in a mini-garden design competition as part of Frinton in Bloom in 2007DJ David Hamilton at Parkers Garden Company in Frinton feeding spring lambs with youngsters who had taken part in a mini-garden design competition as part of Frinton in Bloom in 2007 (Image: Archant)

But today we are looking back at some of the close encounters with woolly youngsters which people have enjoyed over the years.

Ipswich Star: Mr Welham, a shepherd at Barking, was photographed with spring lambs in March 1964Mr Welham, a shepherd at Barking, was photographed with spring lambs in March 1964 (Image: Archant)

Although spring is the season when most lambs are born, ewes can give birth any time between November and May.

Ipswich Star: Families getting close to sheep during Foxburrow Farm lambing day in 2002Families getting close to sheep during Foxburrow Farm lambing day in 2002 (Image: Archant)

It is estimated 16 million ewes give birth every year in the UK.

Ipswich Star: Cuddling a Jacobs lamb at Easton Farm Park in 2004Cuddling a Jacobs lamb at Easton Farm Park in 2004 (Image: Archant)

If these photos bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

To order copies of photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

Ipswich Star: Children gather round two pet lambs in a baby's cot at Barking Parish Church in April 1972. The lambs - pets of Ian and Angus Hamilton - were a feature of the Good Shepherd Sunday morning serviceChildren gather round two pet lambs in a baby's cot at Barking Parish Church in April 1972. The lambs - pets of Ian and Angus Hamilton - were a feature of the Good Shepherd Sunday morning service (Image: Archant)