PIGS play a big part in Anita Back's life and they don't come much bigger than Hamlet.

The oversized Vietnamese pot-bellied pig certainly has a star presence at Anita's Bursledon home and he's more than used to being in the spotlight.

Anita, who has had a lifelong passion for the pigs and has helped hand-rear and rehome almost 50 of them, is proud of Hamlet's early achievements.

However, it now looks like he's chosen to take early retirement.

Anita, of Dodwell Lane, who was given her pride and joy as a long-dreamt-of birthday present, said: "I chose the runt of the litter because that's always the one that gets turfed out.

"But he's gone on to be a champion at the Longleat pig and goat show and has even been kissed by Lord Bath.

"He used to do tricks, like sit for food, and would occasionally play ball but now he's a monster, his main hobby is sleeping.

"He has his own sofa bed and blanket to put over him. "He snores like an old man and even looks like one when he has his back to you.

"Pigs tend to get a rough trot of it but they're very clean and Hamlet was completely house-trained within four days of bringing him home.

"He's the perfect pet," she added.

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