AN appeal has this week gone out to pig owners in West Devon, who may be able to help a drive to increase numbers and heighten awareness of a special rare breed.

Mark Berry has recently settled in Devon after a spell on the continent and is eager to find out if anyone in the area owns or breeds the rare Devon Lop pig.

Mark said: 'I am, I believe, the only Englishman who is a French registered charcutier and having returned from France last year, I have decided to put my skills to good use and help save this pig by starting a small business using only Devon breeds.'

Mark said the Devon Lop pig originated in Tavistock many centuries ago and was also known as the Cornish White, due to the breed being kept on both sides of the Devon and Cornwall border.

He said: 'Records in Tavistock Abbey date back to the 1400s showing that local breeders paid for the right of pannage in the nearby forests and woodlands, which enabled their swineherds to fatten on the fallen beech masts and acorns.'

Mark said the Devon Lop was crucial to his new charcuterie business, as it was his aim to use only Devon breeds and pigs from Devon.

'I would be very pleased if I can help get this breed away from the number one spot of endangered animals which are facing extinction, as shown by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust,' he said.

Mark said the Devon Lop became unfashionable many years ago. It is a plain white pig with 'lop' ears covering its eyes.

'It used to bump into things a lot because of it, and it became naturally docile. Because of this trait it makes them excellent mothers,' he said.

Devon Lops are also reputed to be an animal that will not overfatten if over fed, unlike many other breeds of pig.

Mark, whose charcuterie business has plenty of empty dishes just waiting to be filled with delicious local pork patés, said he would love Tavistock's own pig to see a resurgence in popularity.

'I'd really love to see a pig fair in Tavistock one day,' he said.

Anyone who owns Devon Lop pigs in Tavistock or the West Devon area and who would like to know more should call Mark Berry on 01626 866796, or go to his website at http://www.moorishfoods.com">www.moorishfoods.com