CHIDDINGFOLD sheep farmer Paul Mills had hoped his flock had escaped the Schmallenberg virus, which causes late abortions and birth abnormalities.

But his worst fears were realised just days before Prestwick Farm hosted its annual lambing open day on Sunday.

The infection is symptomless in adult sheep and Mr Mills had successfully lambed his first 15 ewes with no problems and hoped the flock was virus-free.

But then two lambs were born with the disease followed by a third a few days with the threat of visitors witnessing more at the Mother's Day event.

For full story, see this week's Haslemere Herald.