ROYAL Ascot starts this week, but a race of a very different kind hogged the limelight on Sunday.

Piglets from Lee Valley Park Farm in Waltham Abbey squealed their way around a muddy race track in front of thousands of fans as part of Open Farm Sunday.

Nearly five thousand people visited the farm to watch the piglets in action on a day of family fun.

As well as watching the porkers being put through their paces, crowds also enjoyed a sheep show and a white water paddle challenge.

Tractor and trailer rides provided trips to the dairy farm on the hill where children were given the chance to make their own butter.

And there was even a chance to meet animals you wouldn’t normally expect to find as children petted Cornelius the snake who lives with his farmyard pals.

Kate Chaplin, Duty Manager at the farms said: “The pig race was very popular.

"The course is about 75 metres around their paddock and we put pig nuts at the end.

"We have trained them that when they hear cheering they will get food if they sprint to the other end and they get very excited.

"I couldn't tell you how fast they run in mph, but they are pretty nippy!"

Lee Valley Park Farms are open seven days a week from 10am-5pm and run a series of fun activity days throughout the summer.

For further information on events visit www.visitleevalley.org.uk or call 08456 770 600.