A popular college lambing event has been cancelled - but will return in 2019.

Eastern Daily Press: Easton and Otley College students left to right, Abigail Waldron, William Pratt, Charlotte Billington and James Burman feeding orphaned lambs at a previous lambing weekend. Photo : Steve AdamsEaston and Otley College students left to right, Abigail Waldron, William Pratt, Charlotte Billington and James Burman feeding orphaned lambs at a previous lambing weekend. Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2016)

The annual lambing weekend at Easton & Otley College is taking a sabbatical due to the flock's expansion.

Christopher Nix, director of estates, said: 'In 2016 the college invested in a new flock of ewes and as a consequence of this, the farm at the Easton campus has expanded and is no longer in one central location.

'We are not currently in a position to be able to safely accommodate the arrival of thousands of visitors over such a vast area.

'The expansion also means our agricultural team is fully focussed on ensuring that all of our new ewes are well cared for during this busy time of the year.'

Eastern Daily Press: Easton and Otley College lambing weekend has proven to be popular in recent years. Photo : Steve AdamsEaston and Otley College lambing weekend has proven to be popular in recent years. Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2016)

Jane Townsend, acting principal, promised the event would return next year.

She said: 'We know how popular this event has become and we would like to apologise to everyone and reassure them that we will return next year.'