This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed at home… but six little piggies from Binham will have to jump through more than a few bureaucratic hoops to get all the way to the village fayre.

This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed at home… but six little piggies from Binham will have to jump through more than a few bureaucratic hoops to get all the way to the village fayre.

The piglets are the vital ingredient in the centuries-old game of guess-the-weight-of-the-pigs at Binham's medieval fayre this weekend.

But in order for them to make their 800-yard journey from Abbey Farm Piggeries to stardom, their owner, Andrew Chubbock, has had to apply for a performing animal licence from the Animal Health Agency.

He has also had to obtain a licence from Trading Standards and each piglet has been given a tag with an identification number from 1103 to 1108.

“At least there is no charge for the licence,” said Mr Chubbock.

The fayre, from noon to 5pm on Sunday, will also include pelting in the pillory, a gurning contest, Punch and Judy and a treasure hunt. Entry is £1 (children free).

There is a medieval concert at the priory tomorrow at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 (under-15s are half price). All money raised will help fund the conservation of the 12th-century Binham Priory and boost village hall funds.