Runaway pig finds refuge at a Co. Durham care home

A runaway pig has been given refuge at a care home after strolling throughthe front door.

Residents at Bishopsgate Lodge Care Home, in Bishop Auckland, CountyDurham, have taken the mystery animal to their hearts and have christened the black porker Elizabeth.

Staff have made Elizabeth a make-shift shelter, using a bench and amattress, in the care home garden and have been feeding the animal breakfast, vegetables and potatoes.

It was even treated to a Sunday lunch.

But despite the growing affection for the pig since its arrival, staff atthe care home are appealing to the public for help in finding its owner.

Aimee Ross, a senior carer at the home, said the pig's arrival had beenreported to police.

The carer said police had been told about sightings of two pigs "runningaround" the town and she believes Elizabeth might be one of the wild duo.

Ms Ross said staff and residents had become so smitten with the pig thatthey have asked if they can keep Elizabeth if she is not claimed.