CURIOUS onlookers were surprised to see two sheep spending the day in York city centre.

The sheep were a feature at the National Farmer’s Union stand in St Sampson’s Square and were brought by farmer and NFU member Rosie Dunn as part of the York Festival of Food and Drink.

Rachael Gillbanks, press officer for the NFU, said: “The idea is to bring the farm into the city. People are becoming increasingly interested in where their food comes from – the York food festival gives farmers the chance to talk to consumers and explain the more technical aspects of locally-sourced produce.

“The stall also brings the importance of locally-sourced wool, grazing livestock and looking after the countryside to the consumer’s attention.”

Introducing the country to the city will will continue today with calves coming to town. There will also be a butter-making demonstration.

This will be followed by bread making on Thursday.