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A mother has spoken about how the family's pet pig has transformed their autistic son's life.

Jo Bailey-Merritt's son Samuel's autism was making him increasingly isolated and lonely. His meltdowns were becoming more frequent, until one day when the family visited a local pig farm.

Samuel came across Chester - a ginger piglet that was standing apart from the rest of the litter. He instantly bonded with Samuel who became calmer by just holding him.

Eventually they brought Chester home and the micro pig became the family pet. As Samuel's confidence grew, so did Chester.

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 5 live Daily's Adrian Chiles spoke to Jo Bailey-Merritt about the positive impact Chester has had on Samuel.

"He picked up this little ginger piglet and lay him in the crook of his arm and stroked him and the piglet went to sleep and Samuel was immediately calm."

This clip is originally from 5 live Daily on 29 August 2016.