The pigs pictured with TV presenter Paul O'Grady

The second of Tamworth Two pigs who captured the nation’s hearts by escaping from an abattoir has died.

Butch and Sundance gained more than a million visitors after they were given a new home at the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch in 1998.

Named after the film heroes, the ginger-coloured pair shot to fame when they fled from a lorry in Wiltshire.

They were bought by the Daily Mail on their capture and housed at the Woodchurch farm.

They lived long and happy lives, but on Friday boar Sundance had to be put down at the ripe old age of 14 - just seven months after his sister Butch succumbed to suspected liver cancer.

Staff at the Rare Breeds Centre said Sundance had become more subdued after Butch’s death.

Centre spokesman Nikki Sara added: “After months of treating him for arthritis he was on the maximum dose of medication and had become very uncomfortable.

“The farm manager decided it was best that he was put down. It was extremely sad for all of us.”

The hardy hogs’ week on the run made headlines around the world after they broke through a fence, swam across the River Avon and scoured back gardens for food.

Rare Breeds Centre staff had already promised a plaque in honour of Butch last year. Now the pair look set to win a joint memorial.