Newborn chicks, ducks, lambs and pigs brought a smile to thousands of guests' faces at this year's Spring Family Fun Day at Suffolk Rural. 

The college's annual event saw a record turn out in its fifth year, with around 2,500 people enjoying the event on Sunday in Otley.

Ipswich Star: Emma and Layla from Felixstowe with a baby goat being held by Suffolk Rural student EiraEmma and Layla from Felixstowe with a baby goat being held by Suffolk Rural student Eira (Image: Suffolk Rural)Ipswich Star: Charlotte Rossiter (left) with Lynset Wilson (right) Charlotte Rossiter (left) with Lynset Wilson (right) (Image: Suffolk Rural)

Event co-ordinator Charlotte Rossiter said: “It was a really fun day. You could say it was ‘unbaalievable’. It’s fantastic to put events on like this and welcome the local community into the college.

"The Spring Day sold out really quickly so for those who couldn’t make this one, we hope they will come and see us later in the year at annual our Big Day Out event in May this year.”

Ipswich Star: Arthur, from Ipswich, meets a baby goat during the farm day.Arthur, from Ipswich, meets a baby goat during the farm day. (Image: Suffolk Rural)

The free event has been running since 2019 and guests were able to see newborn chickens, ducks, goats, lambs and pigs at the college farm.

There were a number of events run by different college departments, including the horticulture team hosting activities based around seeds.

Ipswich Star: The Smith family from Woodbridge enjoyed the day at Suffolk Rural.The Smith family from Woodbridge enjoyed the day at Suffolk Rural. (Image: Suffolk Rural)Ipswich Star: The Wynter family from Rushmere at the college's spring family farm day.The Wynter family from Rushmere at the college's spring family farm day. (Image: Suffolk Rural)Ipswich Star: Tillie and her mum Jess check out a tractor at the Suffolk Rural Spring Family Farm DayTillie and her mum Jess check out a tractor at the Suffolk Rural Spring Family Farm Day (Image: Suffolk Rural)

Visitors also enjoyed an Easter egg hunt, an obstacle course and face painting. 

Fabio Wahnon and his family attended the event.

He said: “We come every year because we love it. It’s nice to have this family time.”

Ipswich Star: The Casey from Ipswich loved seeing the baby animals up close.The Casey from Ipswich loved seeing the baby animals up close. (Image: Suffolk Rural)

The Casey family, who are also from Ipswich, agreed, adding it was nice to "see the baby animals" and be out in nature.

Rose Casey said: “I want to be a farmer in the future. I liked seeing the cows.”

Ipswich Star: CEO and Principal of Suffolk New College and Suffolk Rural Alan Pease with his granddaughter VivienneCEO and Principal of Suffolk New College and Suffolk Rural Alan Pease with his granddaughter Vivienne (Image: Suffolk Rural)

External companies were also involved and they included Queen Bee Coffee and Yum Yum Tree Fudge. Adrian Turner works for Yum Yum Tree Fudge.

Ipswich Star: The Monteiro family from Ipswich at the Spring Family Farm dayThe Monteiro family from Ipswich at the Spring Family Farm day (Image: Suffolk Rural)

Ipswich Star: Emily and Claire Calver meeting the new born lambs at the Suffolk Rural Spring Family Farm dayEmily and Claire Calver meeting the new born lambs at the Suffolk Rural Spring Family Farm day (Image: Suffolk Rural)

Mr Turner said: We have attended the Spring Day for the last few years and they are phenomenal. It’s fantastic that the college puts on events like this.”

A number of Suffolk Rural College students enjoyed the experience and were on hand to meet the public and share their knowledge.