ISLAND pigs have been named among the best in the country.

British saddleback pig breeders, Sharon and David Groves of Sandford, have continued on from last year's success, once again winning best of the breed in the National Saddleback Championship held at Malverns Three Counties Showground.

Competing against an outstanding class of young saddleback pigs, including champions of various shows throughout the UK, the couple's young gilt pig, Shenlow Shamrock 100, affectionately dubbed Sadie, was appointed champion young pig of the breed.

Sadie, weighing in at a staggering 530lbs, is only nine months old, and is expected to reach up to 800lbs in adulthood.

The couple's other gilt, Watchingwell Hilda 163, otherwise known as Heidi, clinched the reserve title, while Watchingwell Silverwings 155, Selina, won the reserve champion pig in the adult section, champion of champion class, making it another remarkable outing for the award-winning breeders.

"Despite the high cost of getting to the shows from the Island, winning the ultimate prizes and recognition for our herd has paid off with a lot of our stock now spread throughout the country in other herds," said David.

"Two of our prize-winners this weekend have now settled into a herd in Anglesey in North Wales, and Launceston in Cornwall, ensuring the Watchingwell saddleback line continues in its perpetuity.

"There are only about 400 breeding females left in the country."