Painted porkers pig up Lichfield Festival parade

These brightly-coloured porkers will form part of Lichfield's pig parade during its 30th annual festival.

The life-size models have been painted and decorated by schools, community groups and artists and were gathered on the western lawns of Lichfield Cathedral yesterdaybefore being scattered around the city for the duration of the Lichfield Festival which runs until July 17.

The pigs, made of fibreglass resin, will be auctioned off for charity by auctioneer Charles Hanson at the Cathedral Close at 1pm on the day.

The festival mascot, called Trevor Pig, is also building up a strong following on Facebook after organisers set up a page for him.

He will appear in a different location each day and people can call the festival team if they spot him to try and win free tickets for a festival event. The project has been sponsored by Packington pork.

Opera star Sir Willard White will be singing at the opening concert in Lichfield Cathedral tonight at 7.30pm. Details can be found online at www.lichfieldfestival.org

Tickets are on sale at the Lichfield Garrick or by calling 01543 412121.