THE sight of young lambs leaping around at the Woodchurch Rare Breeds Centre, near Ashford, is even more welcome this year than usual.

It is exactly a year since the centre was forced to close due to the spread of the foot and mouth disease.

The threat put enormous pressure on the charity, but to the relief of staff and supporters the centre is now on the road to recovery and planning for a packed summer of family fun.

PICTURE: KENT MESSENGER GROUP PHOTOGRAPHER PAUL DENNIS