Pigs can fly: Wilbur arrives in Lincolnshire in time for Christmas

Wilbur the pig is finally at his new home in the UK

Wilbur the pig has made the 4,000-mile (6,437km) journey to his new home in Lincolnshire in time for Christmas.

Alison and Ruben Castillo planned to move Wilbur from North Carolina on 8 November but were blocked by paperwork problems and increasing costs.

But Wilbur arrived safely at Heathrow on Monday and is now with his owners in the village of Heckington.

Mr Castillo said: "So many people were emotionally invested in Wilbur, I knew this would be a success."

The Castillos, who moved with their children, three cats and dog, only found out that Wilbur would not be able to fly with the other animals the day before departure.

While a pig was classed in the United States as a pet, in the UK it was considered as livestock and therefore faced different rules, they said.

Pig in a blanket: Wilbur having a rest after his long journey

Mr Castillo, a retired marine, was then forced to cancel his flight and stay behind in their empty house until Wilbur, an eight-year-old Julianna pig, had isolated for 30 days.

After isolating, Wilbur's flight was cancelled - and since his paperwork was only valid for 48 hours, the Castillos had to scramble to get him on another before it expired.

So far the couple said they have spent more than £15,000 in transport costs for their animals and Wilbur's journey has involved 23 agencies and 40 people, including animal relocation specialists, JCS Livestock in the UK.

Mrs Castillo, who grew up in the Yorkshire countryside, told the BBC: "After so long with my husband living in another country, our pets split up, our household blown to the wind, we're all going to be around the table together for Christmas.

"Every time we stop and raise a glass I'm going to be blubbing."

Ruben and Alison Castillo are thrilled to have eight-year-old Wilbur in their new home in Lincolnshire

Mrs Castillo also said previously that while she appreciated the importance of not bringing animals into the country without the correct paperwork, she wished it had been easier to work out.

"At every turn, red tape, expense and government agencies on both sides of the Atlantic weighed in," she said.

But the couple said they have had support from many people in their new village as well as strangers who have read about their plight online.

Mr Castillo added: "Wilbur is a brilliant pig.

"There was never a doubt in my mind it would end up with us together for the holidays."