STAFF at Magna West Somerset Housing Association's headquarters thought receptionist Sue Rogers was telling porkies when she said she was dealing with a particularly boorish customer.

The automatic doors of St Peter's House in Williton opened last Thursday to reveal an unexpected visitor - a weighty Oxford and Sandy Black boar.

"All I saw when he came in was this huge beast with brown fur and black spots," said Sue.

"I actually thought it was a leopard at first."

Three-year-old Jack had trotted across from nearby Bridge Farm.

Luckily, Magna staff members Kim Mason and Lynne Smith were on hand to help their shocked receptionist and managed to corral the escapee with the aid of two residents from St Peter's Close and two policeman from the local station.

Eventually Jack was cornered while a call was made to his owners Chris and Katie Sully, who lease some of the farm outbuildings from the Wyndham Estate and keep rare traditional breeds of both pigs and sheep.

"We were actually at Honiton Show at the time," Katie told the Free Press.

Fortunately, Chris's brother Gary and mother Carol were available to steer Jack safely back to his sty.

"We think he got out across the river but we don't really know why he went because he had his 'girls' with him," said Katie.

"He must have just decided to go for a little walk. But he's very quiet and used to being with people so he wouldn't have been any trouble.

"However, I can understand that it must have been a bit of a shock for the staff at Magna!"

Oxford and Sandy Blacks are one of the oldest British pig breeds and are known for their good nature and being docile and easy to handle.

Jack is an award-winning boar, having picked up a second in the breed classes at the recent Royal Show at Stoneleigh.

And his daughter, Quantockhills Cynthia, is off to Hatfield next week after winning a place in the British Pig Association Young Pig of the Year final - the first time the Oxford and Sandy Black breed has qualified.

Meanwhile, back at the farm, security has been tightened up to ensure Jack doesn't get itchy trotters again.