The sheep who stayed over . . .

The Southon family have an unusual guest at their home in Horsforth, Leeds. Petri, a brightly-coloured fibreglass sheep, has become the family's fifth member and is living in their dining room before heading to Skipton.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th Jul 2010, 13:36 BST

Updated 15th Jul 2010, 13:36 BST

The sheep will joining 24 others dotted around the market town for Flock to Skipton, which aims to bring in visitors.

Petri was designed and painted by local artist Naomi Southon, 35, a part-time teacher at Pudsey Southroyd School, as part of a competition to decorate one of the 25 sheep.

Ms Southon, who studied applied biology before becoming a teacher, said: "He is called Petri because it reminded me of a growth in a petri dish.

"The inspiration came largely from my science background.

"Petri is absolutely huge and my poor little boy Isaac was rather shocked when he arrived.

"Isaac likes it now and we have got pictures of him sitting on it and riding it."

The sheep will be appearing on Water Street, in Skipton, from August 14 until mid-November before being auctioned off for charity.

Picture: Tony Johnson.

Horsforth Leeds