Pig farm knocks spots off rivals

Gloucester Old Spots have been raised on the farm for 12 years

An organic farm in Somerset has won two top prizes for its Gloucester Old Spot pork and sausages.

Hindon Organic Farm landed the double first at the Fine Farm Produce Awards.

"These pigs have attitude and it comes across in their taste," said Penny Webber of the farm, which is on the National Trust's Holnicote Estate

The awards are designed to recognise high environmental and animal welfare standards, high-quality production methods and great-tasting food.

Gordon Ramsay

Rob Macklin, head of agriculture at the National Trust, said: "Every year the standard gets higher and it's great to know that so many of our producers really care about what they produce.

"For me, it's still fascinating how simple things such as the breeding, maturation or even the finishing diet can influence the flavour of what arrives on a plate."

The Webber family has been keeping the breed on the Holnicote Estate for 12 years.

"Ours are reared on the top of the farm with the backdrop of Exmoor and the Minehead coast beyond," said Ms Webber.

The tasting panel included Henrietta Green from Food Lovers' Britain, Sara Buenfeld (food editor with BBC Good Food) and Richard McGeown who was trained by Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre-White and Raymond Blanc.

All the producers who received an award will be able to use the Fine Farm Produce Award branding on their products.