VIEWERS in their millions have been tuning into the life-and-death drama unfolding on a West Linton farm.

The new series of BBC programme Lambing Live features a farm run by the Dyke family.

And the trials and tribulations at the height of the lambing season have become a hit with prime-time television viewers.

The Dykes have been farming at South Slipperfield since the 1950s. Hamish, 42, is the third generation to farm, and farms in partnership with his father, John - a former chairman of the Highland Show.

Originally from Stirling, mum Susie also comes from a farming family, although she started her career as a veterinary nurse.

Children Rosie, nine, and seven-year-old Murdo also help out on the farm and both have lambed themselves - as viewers have witnessed this week.

But the real stars of this week’s compulsive viewing have been the sheep, as well as the two sheepdogs, New Zealand Huntaways Jess and Doug.

Hamish, who was born on the 1,000 acre farm just outside West Linton, said: “Initially, we felt a bit surprised about how popular the programme is within the farming community but then when you think about it, it makes sense.

“What do farmers like doing when they’re out and about? Seeing what other farmers are doing.” Hosted by Kate Humble and Adam Henson, Lambing Live has been on our screens every night this week.

Kate was apprenticed to the Dykes in a previous Lambing Live series.

Since delivering her first lamb on the first series in 2010 on a south Welsh farm, she discovered that sheep farming is more than just a business – it’s a way of life, and one that she is now embarking on herself.

Around 1500 lambs are expected to arrive on Slipperfield Farm during these busy weeks for the Dykes - many of them in front of the BBC cameras.

A spokesman for Lambing Live said: “Alongside the day-to-day action on the farm, Lambing Live has delved deeper into the secret life of sheep.

“Adam Henson has travelled the UK to explore British sheep farming in all its many and varied forms. From the science of growing grass to the cutting edge of breeding technology, Lambing Live tells the surprising story of sheep farming past and present.” Most of this week’s action has taken place at Slipperfield, although filming has also taken place at Kelso Ram Sales, in and around West Linton, and even on the Murrayfield ice rink for a game of curling.

Lambing Live concludes this evening on BBC2 at 8pm - and if you missed any of the action it is available on the i-player.