They're already a big tourist draw, and now the goats on the cliff at Cromer have their own merchandise.

Eastern Daily Press: A selection of the merchandise that will be available to promote Goats on a slope. Pictures: NNDCA selection of the merchandise that will be available to promote Goats on a slope. Pictures: NNDC (Image: Archant)

Fans of North Norfolk's famous herd of Bagot goats, who spend the summer on habitat-management duty, can now take home souvenirs of the herd.

The Goats on a Slope range of goodies, which include mugs, tea-towels, ceramic fridge magnets, mounted prints, postcards, key rings and coasters, all feature original artwork by Ian Richardson, a North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) employee who has what until recently was a hidden talent for drawing.

He said: 'I did panic when I was first asked to do this as no one really knew what kind of design was required and it was all a bit overwhelming. I do art mainly as a hobby.

'I tried a host of different designs before having an epiphany at 5.30am at my breakfast table of how the goats should look.

Eastern Daily Press: Artist Ian Richardson, left, and NNDC Animal Control officer Mark Frosdick with some of the new merchandise. Pictures: NNDCArtist Ian Richardson, left, and NNDC Animal Control officer Mark Frosdick with some of the new merchandise. Pictures: NNDC (Image: Archant)

'It is so exciting to see my designs on items and it is a dream come true for me. I'm proud to be a part of the Goats on a Slope project.'

The range will be officially launched on Norfolk Day, July 27, at the North Norfolk Information Centre in Cromer.

On the day, Mr Richardson will be on hand to sign the merchandise, and there will be some limited-edition prints available, too.

The merchandise follows last year's Goat Tote bag, which proved popular.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Day LogoNorfolk Day Logo (Image: Archant)

As well as being popular with locals and tourists, the nine nannies and 10 kids carry out an important habitat-management role. In the past, the cliff area has become overgrown, leading to a problem with litter embedded and snagged in bushes. The Bagot goats graze on rough materials rather than grass, and that helps keep plant growth across the area under control.

It has also negated the need for the council to spend taxpayers' money on keeping the cliff in good order.

John Rest, Leader of the Independent Group at NNDC, said: 'The goats have proved to be a huge success, not just for their environmental benefit but as an additional tourist attraction, and we as a group think this is a great initiative.'