MEET Hugh the giant pig who is doing his bit to make sure his species survives.

At the age of just two years the pedigree Tamworth boar has already fathered more than 200 little piglets.

And tomorrow the 250 kilo porker will be among the stars at the annual Romsey Show.

Tamworths are the oldest English pig breed, being direct descendants of the wild boar and the forest pig but, with just 200 registered sows in this country, pedigree Tamworths are said to be rarer than Siberian tigers.

This is because only a few pigs are kept for breeding – most go for meat – and they are registered with the British Pig Association and the Tamworth Breeders Club.

Hugh was given a pat on the back for his efforts on maintaining his breed when he met show chairmen Peter Cliffe-Roberts and committee member Peter McVean.

His owner Ed Godwin, a fourth- generation Romsey farmer, who rears poultry at Emer Farm on the outskirts of the town, is planning to build up his small herd of 12.

He said: “I like the idea of preserving something that’s so British. They are also good allrounders that don’t burn or suffer heatstroke – and the pork is fantastic, too.”

Not that Hugh is destined for the oven, despite being named after TV chef Hugh Fearnley- Whittingstall. Having won best trade stand with his poultry display at last year’s show, Ed is hoping that Hugh will help him to bring home the silverware again this year.

The Romsey Show

• It takes place tomorrow (Saturday) on 50 acres of parkland at Broadlands featuring 1,000 horses, 200 cattle and 100 sheep of all shapes and sizes.

• For the first time organisers are offering free entry for children under 11 as well as a a reduced ticket price for 11 to 18-year-olds.

• The show runs from 8am to 6pm. There is free parking and dogs on leads are welcome.

• There will be water buffalo, alpacas, pigs, poultry, rabbits, caged birds and more than 500 trade stands selling everything from combine harvesters to handmade lace.

• Back by popular demand in the main ring are The Devil’s Horsemen, whose thrilling Wild West Show recreates the days of Buffalo Bill in the 1890s.

• Also in the main ring will be The Quack Pack duck herding demonstrations, the Mounted Games Association of Great Britain presenting fast-paced equestrian sport and the Derby Midshipmen Band.

• There will be a parade of hounds, heavy horses and vintage tractors.

• The Countryside Area has falconry, gun dog training, fly fishing and country craft displays.

•n A family dog show will be held and a dog scurry – a fun, have-ago event in which competitors are invited to retrieve a dummy against the clock.

• In the Food Zone more than 80 producers will be selling their wares while some of Hampshire’s top chefs demonstrate their skills in the Cookery Theatre.

• See floral arrangements, horticultural displays, steam engines, the WI tent, an exhibition by Romsey Art Group, homemade wine and beer, a bees and honey show, various local bands and free microchipping by the Dog’s Trust.