Steve Nesbitt, Will Barker and Hamish Barker have always wanted to own some of the oldest breeds of sheep in the world.

And now they can - because some Hungarian Racka sheep are currently being transported across the continent towards the UK.

There are only 2,500 to 3,000 of the rare sheep left in the world and their numbers have been declining for years.

Mr Nesbitt went to Hungary to find some sheep to bring back to his farm, between Darlington and Barnard Castle.

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He said: “I have always liked the look of them. I went to Hungary to go and have a look for some in May.

“They are on their way to the UK as we speak, I think they are currently in Holland.

“There are only 3,000 of them left in the world and they are one of the oldest breeds.

“Most of them are in Hungary but there is the odd herd in Germany and Austria.

“I’m just very excited to get them over here. I have always thought that they look like something straight from a Harry Potter book.

“They have the most incredible horns. That’s the first thing you notice when you look at one.

The Northern Echo: Hungarian Racka sheep

“We’re hoping that the breed takes off here like the Black Nosed Valais did a few years ago.

“They were brought over here and because they were so rare everyone wanted to see them.

“Now they’re everywhere.”

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Mr Nesbitt is looking forward to welcoming 10 white and three black Hungarian Rackas to their new home.

The breed dates back hundreds of years and it used to be the most common breed in Hungary.

Despite the unique characteristics, such as both sexes having long spiral horns, there has been a decline in numbers.