A RARE breeds farm has welcomed three new arrivals after their star attraction was stolen.

Thieves snatched Sunbeam the guinea pig from her home at Hadleigh Rare Breeds Farm in Castle Lane, last month, leaving her daughter Samphire orphaned.

Concerned staff at the farm released a number of appeals for Sunbeam tobe returned,but after a month have given up hope.

They have now welcomed three new guinea pigs, Theodore, Thumberlina and Tumbleweed, to keep Samphire company.

A spokesman for the farm said: “Despite our best efforts we have not found Sunbeam our stolen guinea pig.

“We'd like to thank all those that shared our page and we only hope that whoever stole her gives her a fantastic home. She will be missed.

“After her disappearance Sunbeam’s daughter, Samphire has been left on her own.

“Being social animals guinea pigs prefer to be in large groups.

“Lots of people have kindly offered to donate their guinea pigs to us, however we felt it best if we rehomed some guinea pigs that truly needed new homes.

“Therefore we would like to introduce our three new residents Theodore, Thumberlina and Tumbleweed.

“All three are rescues from Essex Guinea Pig and Rat Rescue, based in Hadleigh.

“All three are settling into their new home and we are pleased that all are getting on very well with Samphire.

“Be sure to stop and say hello to them on your next visit to the rare breeds centre.