FANS of Patrick the pig marched through the streets as part of a campaign for a change in the law.

The ‘piggy parade’, which marched along Bridge Street in Ramsbottom, was held to raise awareness of ‘Patrick’s Law’.

Patrick’s owner Lee White, who runs Whites of Ramsbottom in Silver Street, wants the government to reclassify micro-pigs as pets to allow them to be moved more flexibly.

Lancashire County Council has recently lifted a ban which prevented Mr White from taking the pig to work by using a loophole in Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) laws.

The shop owner was furious when he was told Patrick, who is classed as livestock, must stay in one place for 20 days and nights in case of an outbreak of disease such as foot and mouth.

More than 600 people have already signed an online petition calling for a change in the law.

Scores of people, old and young, patted and stroked and petted eighth-month-old Patrick as he trotted through the town centre last Thursday.

Mr White, from Ramsbottom, said: “Patrick is like my son, he means so much to me.

"He is friendly and independent, was house-trained in a day and a half and he’s a great pet.

"Lots of people have taken Patrick into their hearts. We still hope to get a change in the law.

"We are getting a lot of support from people from all over.”