TWO little goat kids from South Africa, destined for the dinner plate, caught the eye of a Bromyard woman.

Now the floppy-eared pair are settling in with 28 other rescued goats of all shapes and sizes at Goatsgalore animal sanctuary.

Like many, the Boer-cross goats were purchased for their meat price. Others are farm park kids who are not longer cute enough to attract the crowds and some are pets that have grown too big.

Founder Jill Rollo, who has owned horses for many years, took on Rocky from a park farm six years ago to eat the dock leaves in her field.

"You can't just have one goat - they are social creatures, so I got another two and it just went on from there," said Jill.

Nowadays, after surviving foot-and-mouth, when Jill pulls up to the gate in her big red truck, an army of shaggy, horned goats appear on the horizon.

From squat pygmies to tall, elegant creatures, the herd lumbers across the field flanked by the odd escaped cockerel.

Rescued from market is a menagerie of poultry, including cockerels, ducks and battery hens as well as two elderly horses and a pair of sheep.

Jill said: "The battery hens are difficult, because as soon as you let them outside they die - we think they are just not hardy enough to cope with it."

When the goats come to Jill they stay for life and there is definitely no breeding or milking although she has had one or two surprises over the past six years.

"We have had a surprise pregnancy when Spotty gave birth to Spotty Junior. It was quite a shock!

Daunting

"I have had some that have never seen dogs, a blade of grass or other goats and they are terrified, but eventually they integrate," added Jill.

"Goats are not everybody's thing. It is just something that happened because, if you are not familiar, they are quite daunting - there's no respect!"

With ever increasing numbers, Jill's facilities also have to expand and she is hoping to build another shelter for the herd before opening her sanctuary to the public next year.

Jill's two latest recruits still need names and she is welcoming any suggestions in exchange for a small donation.

For further information, ideas or donations call Jill on 01885 483724 or log on to www.goatsgalore.co.uk.