A Bromyard butcher is preparing to carve up a treat after receiving the first delivery of beef from the Lower Brockhampton Estate.

The stock of Hereford beef is currently maturing at Legge's of Bromyard and should go on sale at the beginning of February.

Anthony Legge, who has been trading in the town for four years and only stocks local free-range meat, said: "The beef is here at the moment and is hanging to mature for about three-and-a-half weeks before it goes on sale.

"I'm very pleased to be selling the first supply, we hope that we will be stocking a lot more.

"Naturally, it depends on how much the estate can produce but hopefully there will be a constant stream of stock. It's a very exciting future."

The 1,600-acre Lower Brockhampton Estate was chosen as the site of a national pilot scheme of the Farming Forward in Action project, launched by the National Trust.

The trust will work alongside the tenant farmers on the estate to develop and market produce.

Brockhampton's farming and countryside project co-ordinator Vicky Bennett said: "The scheme is part of the National Trust's Local Food and Prod-uce initiative. We purchased a herd of Hereford cattle when we found out that they had been bred on the estate 200 years ago. We wanted to bring the native breed back.

"The cattle meet the highest standards of animal welfare and we know exactly what they are eating, so we can provide beef of the highest quality.

"By working with local businesses, we can give the local community the opportunity to enjoy the produce, as well as helping the local economy."

The project will produce a range of specially-branded produce, including damson jam.

Profits from the scheme will be re-invested in the estate to rejuvenate the farms and offset the impact of the foot and mouth crisis in the area.