FARMERS in south Worcestershire are bracing themselves for an invasion of wild boar.

Two groups of the pigs, one of about 20, and another of 12, have taken up residence in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire - and could be heading for Worcestershire next.

The boars - which are thought to have been released into the wild deliberately - have caused mayhem by damaging property, gardens and fields near the forest.

Paul Fardon, NFU branch secretary for Pershore and Upton, said the animals could pose a risk if they moved north.

"I could well imagine that wild boar running around would do considerable damage to whatever is growing," he said.