Barton Carnival: Committee's ewe-turn over cancelled Lamb National

The Lamb National has been reinstated for this summer's Barton Carnival in Lincolnshire

Organisers of a town carnival say a lamb race is back on despite a backlash from animal rights activists.

The "Lamb National" will form part of the Barton Carnival in June, the organising committee confirmed.

Chairman Ben Troop admitted the decision to cancel had been "rash", adding the committee had "satisfied concerns".

Previously, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) argued the lambs "do not consent" to racing.

• Lamb National gets the chop after online abuse

Mr Troop said: "We've been in touch with the relevant authorities and satisfied all of our concerns about it going ahead.

"The committee is unanimous that cancelling was rash and we feel comfortable moving forward regardless of any abuse that comes through."

The lambs' owner says their welfare is paramount

The BBC was told the racing lambs would normally have ended up in the food chain.

The lambs' owner said the breed, Herdwicks, have a natural ability to jump and their welfare is paramount.

News of the decision to reinstate the race has been met with a mixed response on social media, with some stating common sense had prevailed. Others questioned why animals can be used for entertainment.