A YOUNG farming couple can lay claim to producing the best tasting pork in Britain.

The Rare Breed Pig Company scooped the Taste of Excellence prize at the Pig and Poultry Marketing Awards.

The company was set up two years ago by Damian Van Aswegen and Lucy Hollands, of Church Street, Hartfield.

"We were told the award was going on, so we thought we'd put our pork forward," said Mr Van Aswegen.

"It turns out we handed it in on the day the competition closed.

"It's given us a real confidence boost, particularly as we are keen to expand now.

"It's good to know that we're doing the right thing."

The couple keep about 60 pigs in ancient woodland near Groombridge, where they enjoy a natural habitat with shade and shelter.

They are fed on a GM-free diet which includes acorns, apples and asparagus from a farm just 300 yards away. Mr Van Aswegen added: "The pigs are completely free range.

"Everything they eat enhances their flavour and it gives the consumer the assurance of what we are doing.

"Our pigs have that extra layer of fat and take twice as long as the commercial pigs to grow."

The company breeds British Saddlebacks, Oxford Sandy and Blacks, Gloucestershire Old Spots and Large Blacks, most of which are sold to pubs and restaurants within a 10-mile radius.

Following on from their award success, the couple hope to expand the business and move the pigs to 30 acres of ancient woodland nearby.

"The idea is to recreate a natural environment that suits the pigs and just work with it," added Mr Van Aswegen.

The pigs are bred for six or seven months to a weight of around 60kg, before they are taken to the abattoir.

The couple received their award at a ceremony on May 6.