POPULAR piglets have been causing a stir at a West Oxfordshire college.

Pupils and staff at Abingdon and Witney College have welcomed a large litter of pedigree Oxford sandy and black piglets at the Common Leys Farm campus in Hailey.

The piglets were born to a sow named Hopecottage Clarissa 237 who is part of the Clarissa bloodline, the rarest within the Oxford Sandy and Black breed.

Farm estate and livestock manager at the college Ed Noble said it was good news and would allow students to be actively involved in helping preserve one of the oldest native breeds of pig.

He said: "The Oxford Sandy and Black is our local rare breed pig and it’s great to see them doing well here at Abingdon and Witney College.

"Students help with all aspects of looking after our pigs as they do with all of the farm animals here and see the whole process of livestock production. Birth is always an exciting time and when you have a rare bloodline like this it is a real privilege to see them born."

Hopecottage Clarissa 237 has been at the college since October last year and this is her first litter since arriving.

Because the litter is so large some of the piglets are now being hand reared, a process that the students have been heavily involved in.

Mr Noble added: "The piglets have been very popular and well cuddled."

Anyone wanting to find out more about the college's animal care courses can come along to an open day. Visit abingdon-witney.ac.uk/infocentre/open-days for more information.