A FLOCK of sheep are doing their bit for the village of Porton in the wake of recent floods.

The animals have been brought in to the playing field to keep the grass short until the waterlogged ground dries out sufficiently to be mown.

Nearby residents are thrilled with their woolly neighbours and their gambolling lambs. “They are so cute, I wish they could stay here all the time,” said one.

Parish clerk Sarah Burden explained: “We had to close the playing area because there was flooding all over the Tarmac and some of the houses that back on to it had sewage problems too, so we didn’t want the risk of anyone picking up anything they shouldn’t.

“It got very soggy, and the grass grew a lot, so it was far too long for mowing, and we’ve gone for the green option.

“The sheep are there to try to get the grass down a bit so when everything dries out the grass cutters can come in and make a proper job of it.

“The farming community round here thought it would be a good start.”

Mrs Burden added that the parish is desperate to find someone who would be prepared to unlock the gates every morning and lock up at night once the playing area is back in use.

Anyone who can help can email parishclerk@idmistonpc.org.