The cows were killed instantly

The 15 cows and a bull died from heart attacks when the tree they were sheltering under on their farm on the outskirts of Wrexham was hit by the bolt.

The shocking discovery was made by farmer Maldwyn Williams, 81, as he checked Trevor Hall Farm in Ruabon on Sunday.

"We haven't got over it yet. It was such a shock to see him," said his wife Eluned.

The pedigree Blonde d'Aquitaine cows cost thousands of pounds and Mrs Williams said the killed bull was priceless.

They're like pets to us, we think a lot about the cattle Eluned Williams

"The bull was turning good stock out. It was really lovely," she said.

"They're like pets to us - we think a lot about the cattle.

"We are insured but you don't get the actual price back," she added.

The remainder of the herd was saved from the freak accident as they were sheltering elsewhere.

The Blonde d'Aquitaine is a French cattle breed that has been established in the UK for over 25 years.

Mr and Mrs Williams have farmed the land in Ruabon for more than 50 years.

The couple said they are unsure about what they will do now as they are still trying to come to terms with the accident.