Two rare breed pigs gave birth to their litters at the same time at a local theme park's farm.

Staff at the farm attached to Camelot, Charnock Richard, were amazed when the two pigs went into labour at the same time producing 20 piglets in a little over two hours on June 12.

Saddlebacks Pintail Lucy and Pintail Laura, who themselves were bred at the park in May 2004, took staff by surprise as it was thought they were at different stages of pregnancy.

Farm manager Ellen Fairbank said: "Lucy gave birth to 12 and Laura eight and they have been the undoubted stars of the farm since.

"Both the mothers were in adjoining stalls and we think that they triggered each other off.

"The piglets are some sight when the mother lies down and they suckle as all their 'saddles' seem to form one long line"

The Saddleback is a striking looking black pig with a white belt, which includes the front legs, around the body, their ears are also lopped forward.

June has also proved to be a busy month for other breeding animals at the farm.

On Friday, June 17, two rare Red Poll cows gave birth in another case of synchronised labour.

The cows are among less than a thousand still breeding in the UK.

Two miniature ponies, Hayley and Sophie are also in foal and are expected to give birth at any time.

Nobody at the farm will be surprised if the two new arrivals arrive simultaneously.