Snowy surprise as white reindeer born at Shropshire Christmas tree farm

The winter white six-month-old reindeer is proving a festive favourite at Winston Christmas Tree Farm in Tetchill, Ellesmere.

Staff who did not know his mother was pregnant were surprised by his arrival.

But the friendly creature is lapping up the attention from children and parents who flock to pet him.

Owner Steve Jones said he bought three reindeers five years ago from Finland - Rupert, Holly and Bella.

He said: "I have the reindeers at the farm all year round but in the winter when we start selling our Christmas Trees they become the stars of the show.

"This year we have a baby reindeer for everyone to see, touch and feed - his name is Snowy.

"He is the star attraction now. Rupert used to be the reindeer everyone wanted to see the most because of his huge antlers but now Snowy is the most popular.

"Snowy's arrival came as a complete surprise to us all. We had no idea one of the reindeers was in calf until one morning she gave birth.

"We had been hoping a baby would be born, but it is very rare for them to be born in captivity.

"We were over the moon and he is quite a character.

"I had to feed him with baby bottles and my children and wife love him.

"It is great because the children have grown up with the reindeer.

"We do not charge for people to go and see them."

Winston Farm will start selling their Christmas Trees on Saturday.

Mr Jones said: "When you come and pick up one of our Christmas Trees, the children can visit Snowy and the rest of our reindeers.

"Their favourite food is special moss from Finland which is a little treat the children can feed the reindeer. Children can also post letters to Santa and eat mince pies."

The farm is open 8am until 6pm from Saturday every day until Christmas Eve.