Crowds flocked to see the Piggy pranks, which saw trainers attempt to manoeuvre pigs around a challenging obstacle course in the quickest time.

The Duke of Norfolk had gone to the trouble of bringing one of his own pigs to the event and was an interested spectator at the new Pig Village, along with Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames.

Perhaps the pressure of performing before such prestigious guests got the better of the pigs though, as most put in a lazy, disobedient display.

Some took the opportunity to try and escape, while others used their turn as an excuse for a toilet break. One pig, upon seeing how much of a laugh he got when he refused to walk the bridge after taking one step on it, proceeded to do it five times, to the ever-increasing amusement of his adoring audience.

Not that it was easy. The pigs first needed to negotiate a tricky slalom run - not easy when you have the turning circle of an articulated lorry.

After that, pigs needed to enter a pen, cross a bridge, and stand still in a circle of sand for 15 seconds, but by the end the judges – perhaps deciding that the Krypton Factor-style course was perhaps a touch too complex for the porky participants – somewhat loosened the rules.

At least the sheep dogs can sleep easy, for their job is safe.

Click on the green 'play' button for our video report on the Piggy pranks at the South of England Show.

Click here to visit our South of England Show online section

Full report and picture special in the Mid Sussex Times.

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