Billy the goat was once a homeless runaway, wandering the streets alone.

Now his fortunes have changed and he is enjoying a career as an international pin-up in a calendar for animal-lovers called Goats 2005.

The full-length shot of Billy was sent to USA firm Browntrout Publishers and he beat competition from across the world to make the calendar's final line-up.

The company, based in California, has been selling the calendar in the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Germany and England.

Billy is the May model.

Like many international stars, Billy came from humble beginnings.

He was found wandering the streets of Lancing in 2002. He had broken the chain around his neck and run off.

Efforts to find his owners failed. Ann Bell, 55, from South Malling, Lewes, agreed to give Billy a home after Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service and The Argus appealed for help.

Mrs Bell said the goat was oblivious to his new-found fame and had spent the day munching grass.

She said: "I read in The Argus that Billy needed a home so I called and the animal rescuers brought him over.

"I already had a nanny goat, which was a bit lonely on its own.

"Unfortunately she died but now he lives with two more nanny goats from Sussex Horse Rescue.

"Goats make great pets. They love people. But Billy's still a bit nervous.

"He lives in a field near the river at Lewes. It's about an acre and a half to run around in.

"It's fantastic he was picked for the calendar - but I don't think he's bothered."

Goats are not the only unusual pets in Lewes. Mrs Bell said her neighbours had llamas but they stayed away.

Sussex freelance photographer Sue Redshaw takes pictures of animals in Lewes and submits them to publishers such as Browntrout.

She photographed Billy kidding around and sent off the picture.

Mrs Redshaw, who was not available for comment, sent Mrs Bell a copy of the calendar as soon as it was released.

Billy is ten years old and of mixed breed. He could live up to the age of 15.