A RECORD entry of almost 150 pedigree pigs from 11 breeds will be sold by auctioneers Norton & Brooksbank at the 4th national pedigree pig sale at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, on Saturday.

Nick Hunkin, from the British Pig Association's show committee, said that since the sale was relaunched in 2002, numbers had increased steadily but this year, they had jumped by 50%.

He said he was delighted to see such a strong entry of Welsh pigs as the breed was at serious risk of being lost.

Ten other breeds, including all of Britain's native and traditional breeds, will also be on sale.

Marcus Bates, the association's chief executive, said: "Last year was a record year with over 240 new pedigree breeders registering and this year, we are on track to exceed that number."

The sale starts at 11 am and contains many show champions as well as rare bloodlines.