Valentine's Day pig causes a stir

Although pigs are not usually seen as the most cuddly farm animal, one little piglet is setting hearts a flurry.

Valentine the pig, has been hogging the limelight after being born with a unique heart-shaped mark on her back.

Discovered on a farm in Gloucester, her breeder Eric Freeman explains just why Valentine is so special.

He said: "Perhaps it's just the time of the year with Valentine's Day. Maybe that was in her mind and I thought as they grow quite quickly when they're small the heart will probably get into a splodge perhaps a bit later on. But its staying there alright at the moment, anyway."

Mr Freeman added that his Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs were usually renown for their delicious pork rather than their romantic symbols.

"They're now a trademark, the spots are for the pig and for its delicious pork. They are special", he said.

However, Valentine's new found fame could see her escape the slaughter house as her owner Eric is considering offering up his unique piglet to a loving home.

He said: "After this bit of publicity I don't know what'll happen. Somebody out there might want to buy one or two. You never know."

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