It's a dream we've all had - keeping pigs. Well, maybe not all of us. Perhaps it's just the 'Good Life' generation, those teenage years idolising Felicity 'Barbara' Kendall and desperately wanting to be Richard 'Tom' Briers. Radio and TV presenter Lynne Allbutt lives that dream, not the one about being Barbara Good's man but the piggy one. Vita's Nigel Evans reports.

A wise man once said: "High on a hill was a lonely goatherd. Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo." I don't see any goats at Professional Outdoorist Lynne Allbutt's hillside paradise just outside Crickhowell but I am greeted by vast amount of piglets.

I can't say I've been this close to piglets before and the first thing that strikes me is how much like puppies they are. They're soft, inquisitive and fall over when tickled.

Lynne tells Vita: "After much deliberation and research I decided to expand my Powys 'Tiny Holding' to include small-breed pigs. So at the beginning of March 2010, my three little pigs arrived in a straw filled crate in the back of my truck.

"Suffice to say I think it is apparent how quickly these three little piggies became a big part of my life. They are incredibly affectionate, intelligent and occasionally, endearingly frustrating, as all pets have the ability to be. 

"They are clean, adore human company and have the strongest personalities (Francis, Lily Savage and Dot are well known in the community and have more regular visitors than I do). After living with my lot for 18 months I can confidently say they make great pets particularly if you follow the 'Piggy Preferences' to keep them happy and healthy."

Read the full story in this week's Vita free with the Brecon & Radnor Express - Out now!