A GROUP of unauthorised visitors to Himley Hall and Park were left looking a bit sheepish this morning after invading the picturesque site.

The park gates had to be hastily closed after a flock of adventurous sheep wandered unexpectedly into the grounds.

Staff on site quickly got into shepherd mode and rounded up the 250-strong flock who had wandered into the park from a neighbouring field when the electric fence containing them broke down.

The park was briefly closed to visitors to protect the sheep and their lambs who seemed to enjoy wandering among the recently blooming bluebells.

But it was back open again shortly after 9am.

Thankfully no sheep were harmed, Dudley Council has said, and the animals returned quietly to their field following their brief jaunt to the site which is a favourite for dog walkers.

Site manager Tracey Reece said: "It wasn’t quite what we were expecting when we turned up for work this morning, but then again, every day here is different! The sheep seemed to enjoy their time grazing on the lawn and returned home with good grace.

"I think they wanted to get in before the Bank Holiday weekend, to make the most of our beautiful site and the bluebells which are really coming into their own."