A rare pet ewe, which was left pining after its 18-month-old lamb died, has found a new companion – thanks to the Shropshire Star.

Bridgette, a rare breed called a Soay, was devastated when her baby, called Lally, died.

Owner Jane Cooke appealed through the pages of her local newspaper for a new friend for Bridgette – and the publicity drew the attention of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. They contacted the paper to say that they knew a Shrewsbury cattle and sheep breeder who could supply another Soay lamb.

Bridgette is now happily making friends with her new companion.

Mrs Cooke said she was touched by the caring nature of Shropshire people who had contacted her to offer to help.

She said many people had offered to donate orphaned lambs, but she realised Bridgette, aged two and a half, would only be really happy with another Soay.

She added: “I’m still getting calls from people who don’t keep sheep but want to know if Bridgette is all right.”

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