A FARMER is hoping sales of meat from his rare Gloucester Old Spot pigs will surge after the species gained protected status.

Pork from the animals has now joined Yorkshire rhubarb, Wensleydale cheese, Champagne and Cornish clotted cream in securing the elite European status.

It is the first species of pig in the world to win the status – and it is hoped the rule will heighten its profile.

Brian Jackson, who breeds the pigs at Templand Farm, Allithwaite, said: “It will be good if it increases interest in the meat.”

And butcher Stuart Higginson, who sells meat from the pigs, said: “It will be good for British breeds, especially rare breeds.”

Dave Overton, president of the Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig Breeders’ Club, said: ”It will help us to ensure that the integrity of the special meat from these pigs is maintained and that the public can be sure of a real treat when they buy it.

“Numbers of the breed have increased significantly in recent years on the back of its qualities and it is important that the public have this protection to ensure they are not duped by peoplepassing off other meats as Old Spot produce.”