A PIG that was attacked by a gang of youths has returned to public duties after its ordeal.

Young vandals threw slabs of concrete and logs at Nicky the pig after breaking into the farm at Southampton's Down to Earth Education Centre, where the creature lives, in May.

The animal was so traumatised by the incident that staff and a vet have had to nurse it back to health and confidence.

But Nicky was back on form at a special open day at the Millbrook Community School-based farm.

Scores of families visited the centre to see Nicky and pick up a pumpkin in time for Hallowe'en.

Youngsters were encouraged to learn all about how food is grown while the centre's animals, including Nicky and Charlie the turkey, were also on hand to keep children amused. A spokesman for the Down to Earth Centre said Nicky was now feeling much better and almost back to normal.

He added: "She's taking part in the day and as always is very popular with the public. It's good to have her back."

Visitors were also given the chance to learn more about the latest fitness craze, The Green Gym, in which volunteers are put through their paces with exercises like pruning, mowing and weeding.

The spokesman added: "It's been a great day's fun for all the family and we had dozens of people turn up and buy a pumpkin.

"More people than last year have come along, which is great news, and everyone seems to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves."