Lowestoft sheep given new lease on life with Sudbury wheelchair

A sheep whose two back legs stopped working shortly after birth has been gifted her very own wheelchair.

For a number of years a flock of Suffolk Rams have roamed the yard outside Pakefield Church in Lowestoft.

Roo and Winnie, two new March-born spring lambs, were set to become the latest addition to the flock.

But a week after she was born, Winnie's back legs stopped working.

With a deficiency and hindlimb paralysis, prognosis was not good for the young ewe - but ministers at the church were determined to find a solution.

They contacted Sudbury-based Winston's Wheels - a charity for dogs that need help to stay mobile, by providing wheelchairs and strollers for the pets.

After assessing Winnie they fit her with 'cart wheels' claiming it was "the first wheelchair sheep" that they had ever helped.

Katey Mills, who is the children, youth and families minister at Pakefield Church, said: "The intention was to look after the lambs ahead of them becoming part of the flock.

"But a week into having them, Winnie sadly woke up with no use of her back legs - it literally happened overnight.

"We took her to the vets and was told she needed to be put down.

"But we didn't give up, and it was a proper emotional moment seeing her on wheels and scooting around.

"We are very grateful to Winston's Wheels."