Outfoxed by woolly thinking

After sheep cloning comes lamb painting. Spring lambs are being coated with a phosphorescent spray to deter foxes from taking them in the night. The makers of the bright green spray, called Repel, believe it will reduce lamb losses to record low levels.

Geoff Marginson, of the spray's manufacturers Pro-Products, said: "The phosphorescent solution charges up in daylight and glows at night, producing a flickering effect. At first the fox will be nervous of the lights but that will probably be overcome in time. Once they have got used to it they may well try to sneak into the centre of the pack and take a lamb."