An ancient breed of rare cattle, considered to be dangerous at all times, has been appointed its first ever female warden.

Ellie Crossley, 24, will look after the Wild Chillingham Cattle, which are rarer than giant pandas and have lived for hundreds of years in an enclosed space near Wooler, close to the Scottish Borders, in Northumberland.

They are not domesticated and live under the protection of the Wild Cattle Association which owns the 300 acre site where they roam free.

The 100 strong herd fend for themselves, including breeding, and are recognised as wild animals.

Ms Crossley, originally from Dorset, said she was delighted to be taking up her new role despite the hazards of working with the unpredictable animals.

"In your day to day work you have to be very conscious of them as they are so unpredictable. They are amazing, and it is wonderful to see the new calves born, and take their place in the structure of the herd," she said.

"Theirs is a completely natural environment, and they fend for themselves. We give the cattle hay in the winter when the grazing runs out but that is all the intervention there is."

Her role will also involve providing tours for the 5,000 visitors a year the cows receive as well as the upkeep of the park.