Woody was born on Saturday night

Woody the ostrich finally hatched at the weekend - nearly 42 days after the egg was bought as a present from a pub regular.

Vikki and Phil Hickling have been charging their customers at the Milton Arms, in Elsecar, South Yorkshire, a pound a time to guess the combined weight of Woody and his giant egg.

The money collected has been added to the fund they are raising for a local children's hospice.

New home

Mrs Hickling said: "We originally had two babies hatch but one of them sadly died.

"We didn't expect them to hatch until Monday so we were a bit surprised when it happened early and Phill came running in saying 'it's happening'

"My husband and I have been turning the eggs in a room out back three times a day to make sure they are incubated properly.

"It was just another fun way to raise some money towards the hospice and we are up to about �2,000 for the year so far."

Woody has now been taken to a new home at a local ostrich farm to be cared for by experts.

Mrs Hickling added: "We always agreed that when he hatched he would have to go back so I'm not too upset to see him go."