A PIG which became a local celebrity after being found on a farm is desperate for a mate, his owners have revealed.

Alf, a New Zealand kune-kune pig, turned up at Park Gate Farm, Copster Green, last week.

Farmer Rose Donkin couldn't work out where he had come from, but after an appeal in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Alf was safely returned to his home at Brick House Farm, a mile or so down the road.

Now his owners have revealed that he may have made his escape in search of a girlfriend.

Jeanne Higson said her family was absolutely amazed to read of Alf's adventure on their return from holiday.

"Alf has reached full maturity and is looking for a mate. At the moment, he is prepared to plough through any fence to find a partner and is trying to roam further afield. We think he might have been on the scent when he absconded, but we don't know where to.

"We have had Alf about 18 months and are in a bit of a dilemma. He is a perfect example of a very rare breed of pig, so we don't want to neuter him. But he is a big part of the family and it would be hard to let him go to another home. We just don't know what to do," she said.

Alf, who is looked after by the Higson children - Andrew, 15, Paul, 12, and nine-year-old Ashley - is so domesticated that he wanders around the family home.

"He is a placid, vegetarian pig, with a great personality and exceedingly good manners. The boys were absolutely amazed to read of his adventures and very relieved to have him back safe and sound.

"We would like to thank everyone," Jeanne added.

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