THE Gardner family of Newbridge Farm Park are hoping their emu Leggy Sue has laid a golden egg as far as this year's tourist season is concerned.

The Welsh-born flightless bird is already a favourite at the Little Marcle farm.

But the family is hoping her first clutch of five green and black speckled eggs, on the first occasion she has ever nested, will be a draw.

The park opens its gates tomorrow (Saturday) for a longer tourist season, into the autumn, to make up for last year's foot and mouth crisis frustrations.

Diana Gardner said: "Because of foot and mouth restrictions in the area, we only opened for ten weeks last year.

"Leggy Sue laying is an 'eggstra-special' gift for us this Easter."

Sadly, as there is no Mr Emu on the scene, Leggy Sue's eggs are not fertile and will never hatch.

But the Gardners are certain visitors will still find them fascinating. Each egg is six inches tall and weighs 1.5lbs.

Mrs Gardner said: "When the eggs came, she was very gentle with them."

The emu, who is 5ft 6ins tall, has been a resident at the farm for five years.

The farm is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Details on 01531 670780.