His Large White gilt Portbredy Beryl 1190 won the Supreme Championship under Judge Jim Appleton from Lancashire on Tuesday and followed this up by winning the British Pig Association Pig of the Year Competition on Wednesday under Judge John Millard from Cambridgeshire.

The Large White breed originates from Yorkshire and is known around the world as the "Yorkshire Pig". Undoubtedly the breed is one of Yorkshires most famous exports. As well as being the foundation breed for most of the UK commercial pig breeding herd they have also been exported to all corners of the globe from Japan to Tierra Del Fuego.

Steve Loveless 46, inherited the Portbredy prefix from his farther who introduced him to pedigree pig breeding and he has passed on his love of pedigree pigs to his daughter Hayley who now breeds and shows pigs in her own right. The family farm 27 acres on which they keep some 70 sows. Steve who is no stranger to success in the show ring said yesterday that he regarded his double win at the Great Yorkshire Show as one of the high points of his pig breeding career. "This is a really tough show to win as it is very competitive with one of the strongest entries in the country. I really enjoy my visits to the Yorkshire Show but this has to be the best ever" he said.

The Pig of the Year Competition is sponsored by Cranborne Estates, the traditional breed meat company of the Marquess of Salisbury. Heats are held at County Shows around the country from which pigs qualify for the final at the Great Yorkshire Show. Lady Salisbury presented the Geoffrey Cloke Salver to Mr Loveless and his winning pig and also presented prizes to the Champions from all the heats at a special lunch after the judging.

Chief Pig Steward Peter Brier from Ilkley was very pleased with the level of support for the Pig Classes at the show. "We have had over 330 entries this year which is the highest for 5 years" he said. "With a dozen breeds on display we really put on a show for the public who love to see all the different breeds of pig in the rings."

ThePigSite Editorial Team