From ponytails to pigtails as hairdresser shows rare breed

A hairdresser from Shropshire is out to prove he is a cut above the rest when it comes to keeping pigs. Derick Eggerton will switch from ponytails to pigtails at Newport Show on July 14.

His well-groomed Gloucester old spots will be part of the show's new rare breed pigs attraction.

Salon owner Mr Eggerton, who runs Capability Brown in Newport, will make his debut with a litter of cute piglets.

He said: "I genuinely have a passion for pigs. They are lovely animals with characters just like dogs – they recognise me at feed time and like to lie down and have their ears massaged.

"It will be a pleasure to tell everyone what delightful animals they are."

Mr Eggerton's love of pigs began when he moved to a small-holding in Pickstock, just outside Newport, and bought a couple of pigs.

He attended a smallholders course at Harper Adams University College and registered with Defra before founding River Meese Rare Breeds, specialising in pork for upmarket food stores.

Three years on he has more than 60 Gloucester old spots, Oxford sandy and blacks and Berkshires.

He said: "I have never shown my pigs before so this will be a first. They are all absolutely gorgeous and the babies are so sweet."

The show, at Chetwynd Deer Park, will also feature a pedigree dog show, livestock classes and horses. Tickets are available by calling 0845 4671889.