Rare woolly pigs have been spotted in Kent once again - this time in a children's playground to the north of Canterbury.

After a sighting in a nearby woodland last month, the unusual beasts were seen at Tyler Hill playing field, in Summer Lane, this morning.

They are thought to be Mangalica - a Hungarian breed of domestic pig which was once on the brink of extinction.

The hairy animals were spotted by a local resident, who said: "I was walking back to my car from the woods after walking my dogs, to find pigs entering the playing field.

"There were three of them and they were literally just happily walking round the playing field."

It is believed they are the very same pigs that were spotted last month by volunteers working in Thornden Woods, between Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Mangalica are thought to be extremely rare in the UK.

Staff at Wildwood Discovery Park near Thornden Woods said the woolly trio have previously been sighted just outside their park's boundaries.

A wildlife park spokesman said the pigs are believed to be domesticated, but that no owners have yet been identified.

Following the Thornden Woods sighting, Wildwood spokesman Dan Farrow said: "The woolly pigs are a domestic breed called Mangalica, originating in Hungary and are not indigenous to the UK.

"There are a number of farms in the UK which breed them for meat and they also make good pets, but as far as we're aware there are no wild colonies on our shores.

"Chances are that the pigs roaming Thornden Woods have escaped from a farm or a private collection - they have certainly not escaped from Wildwood, as we do not have any of this breed at the park.

"They're not a danger to the public unless cornered or threatened, but you should keep your distance and report any sightings to the council.

"Hopefully the owners will be found soon."