Surprise arrival at Blithbury Reindeer Lodge

Blithbury Reindeer Lodge is celebrating the safe arrival of Beth, named in honour of the Queen's recent 90th birthday, and Victor, named after late comedian Victoria Wood. May is traditionally calving season but the pair were earlier than expected, catching the experienced team at Blithbury Reindeer Lodge completely unaware.

They are believed to be the first surviving reindeer calves born in the UK this year.

Steve Swinnerton, owner of the lodge, said: "Both these calves caught us off guard arriving at least a week earlier than they should have.

"Victor was a good weight so only needed basic support in the first 48 hours.

"Beth however was very small and her mother's milk hadn't fully come in, so the team worked incredibly hard to ensure she was fed and supported fully during those crucial first few days.

"Sadly Beth wouldn't have survived in the wild but due to the expert care and attention she has received at the lodge we are hopeful she will now thrive."

Victor and Beth may be the first arrivals of 2016 but they join a herd of 150 reindeer who call the beautiful 30-acre site home.

The herd, which is the largest working herd of reindeer in the country, is expected to grow further over the next month with another eight calves expected to arrive this calving season.

Mr Swinnerton said: "Reindeer calving is incredibly specialist and requires a huge amount of experience and time to get the best outcomes."