THE return of RSPB Saltholme’s Lambing Live proved a real tonic for the visitor attraction.

A year after a series of devastating dog attacks, which led to the death of 50 sheep, the event drew more than 8,500 people to the wildlife reserve during April.

The reserve staff, who were forced to cancel last year’s lambing event as a result of the devastating dog attacks, were determined to move on from the incident and worked hard to make this year’s event a huge success.

Caroline Found, visitor experience manager, said: “We’re delighted that so many people came to experience the return of Lambing Live this year. We’ve welcomed so many new visitors to the reserve as well as our new lambs, so the busy Spring season is off to a great start.”

Alongside the main event, the reserve ran a competition to Name a Lamb on Facebook which saw hundreds of entries, with the winning name – Spudnik – drawn out of a hat.

RSPB Saltholme is open from 9.30am to 5pm every day. Entry is £5 per car, free for members.