DEVON, England -- A British farmer is on his way to developing pocket-sized pigs.

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Five piglets that could all fit into the palm of a human hand at birth created a stir at a farm in Devon, England, this week.

Bred to only reach half the size of an average pig at maturity, they are known as Pennywell miniatures, named after the farm that developed them.

Pennywells are a cross between conventional pigs and special pygmy pigs from New Zealand.

Breeder Chris Murray said the mini pigs won't get any bigger than a lap dog.

He said they have good temperaments and are naturally clean, so they make nice pets.

It has taken six years of breeding to get them this small, and the breeders intend to carry on until they achieve the ultimate pocket-sized pig.