FARMERS were left squealing with excitement - and their hands full - after nine tiny piglets were born.

Lee Valley Park Farm, in Waltham Abbey, saw the first offspring born on Monday, March 13, while they await a baby boom from the sheep and goats.

The piglets are among 300 animals living on the farm that includes meerkats, ponies, reindeer chinchillas and llamas.

Manager, James Broomfield, said: “We are delighted to welcome our first babies of the season. Our baby boom is always a very popular period.”

The farm, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, will allow visitors to bottle feed the new piglets, and lambs when they arrive.