An Easter miracle has sprung up in Dartford as an animal breeder saw the birth of a highly rare black lamb.

Wayne May, owner and director of Artisan Rarebreeds based in Farningham, was stunned to find the special sheep was jet black in colour despite the vast majority of its breed being spotted black and white.

The phenomenon is extremely uncommon among Jacob sheep and is the first of its kind Mr May has had in the 26 years he has been running the charity.

He said: “The reason it’s special is because it is a pure-bred Jacob sheep and traditionally they are black and white. But this one is almost completely black bar a small white speck on her head.

“You hardly ever get a black Jacob sheep. From what I know I think there must have been about 10 born in the past year. I’m going to use the same breeding pattern so we might have some more coming.

“I was quite surprised when she was born. At first I thought it might have been dumped here because we do get that a lot. It took a couple of hours for it to sink in.

“She is doing very well. She’s fantastic really – bouncing around like a true spring lamb!”

Aritsan Rarebreeds is home to a variety of unique animals, including 10 miniature Asian zebu cows – thought to be the ancestor of all modern breeds of cow – as well as the largest collection of arapawa goats in Europe.

The black lamb, who was born on Wednesday, March 25, is one of around 500 kept on their land.

The charity totally relies on donations from the public, and also offer assistance in the rescue of wild and domestic animals.

“We do what we do to try and keep these rare animals going around the globe,” Mr May added. “I started when I was 6 and I’ve been doing this for 26 years. My dad and grandad did it and I’m just carrying it on.”

Mr May has not yet named the little lamb, but has decided to let his son Shane’s class – Year 2 blue class of Stone St Mary’s Primary School – decide when they return after the Easter break.

For more information and to donate, visit www.artisanrarebreeds.org