Newborn orphaned lambs in Sheffield are being kept toasty warm thanks to the fast fingers of the city’s knitting community.

After a social media plea from Graves Park Animal Farm, the community swarmed in, handmaking and mailing jumpers for these lambs. One of the park’s posts received almost 2,000 likes.

During the harsh winter, the lambs are in a crucial stage of development and lack the ability to regulate their body temperature. They often need added insulation to stay warm, which will prevent illness or death.

On Facebook, Graves Park Animal Farm said: “Our orphan lambs are in need of a little extra help staying warm, and we’re looking for kind-hearted knitters to make small jumpers for them.

“Hand-knitted lamb jumpers make a huge difference in keeping our bottle-fed babies cosy and comfortable while they grow. Every stitch really does count.”

While the Park advertised a knitting pattern specifically for lamb coats, many followed a knitting pattern for a small dog coat, which works just as well.

A spokesperson for the Animal Farm said: “All our farmers would like to say a massive thank you to each and every person that’s called up to the farm or posted us your hand knitted jumpers, it’s extremely kind and we are extremely grateful. I’m sure our lambs are too!!”

As a tourist attraction for families, especially with young children, Graves Park Animal Farm hosts a variety of animals, from llamas and shire horses to goats and pigs. They even offer interactive activities, such as duckling handling and lamb bottle feeding, and there is an option to buy feed for most of the animals.

Entry into the park is free, with donations welcomed. It costs roughly £750 per day to open the farm.

If you are interested in knitting for the lambs, check out the Graves Park Animal Farm Facebook page for additional information. Jumpers can be dropped off at the farm or posted to: Graves Park Animal Farm, Hemsworth Road, Norton, Sheffield, S8 8LJ.