A RYEDALE farmer who supplies top London restaurants is set to expand his operation with the help of more than £80,000 from Defra.

Timothy Wilson, produces premium quality, free-range pork, lamb and beef under The Ginger Pig trademark on his 300-acre farm in Levisham.

He was named Observer Food Monthly's Best Producer, and has won two grants totalling £87,000 from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme and Processing and Marketing Grant.

The additive-free meat is served in top London restaurants and is available through Ginger Pig outlets at the capital's Borough Market and Marylebone High Street.

Now Defra has stepped in to help him convert derelict outbuildings into a kitchen and food preparation area, with sausage making equipment and a curing area for hams. The project will provide employment for up to three people, in addition to the three staff already employed on the farm.

Mr Wilson said: "Keeping up with demand has been a real challenge, so we are especially grateful for this grant from Defra.

"The market for high quality, traditionally produced meat is a growing one and we're delighted that we can now also supply our products to local customers."

Until 12 years ago, Mr Wilson ran a property company near Bawtry, Nottinghamshire, and got into animal husbandry as a pastime, buying a rare breed Tamworth pig called Chrysanthemum.

She produced a litter and within the space of two years he decided to swap his briefcase for wellies and turn a passion into a business. Seeking to expand further, he moved to North Yorkshire almost three years ago.

The Ginger Pig takes its name from pedigree Tamworth pigs, whose coats are a distinctive copper colour. Timothy also keeps Berkshire, Gloucester Old Spot, Welsh and English Lop - the rarest of all native pig breeds. Other livestock include slow maturing longhorn cattle and 1,200 head of sheep, which graze on 1,400 acres of nearby heather moorland during the summer.

Howard Botting, from the Rural Development Service in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "We're delighted to be able to help Ginger Pig to expand its business in Yorkshire, creating a sustainable rural business and future employment in the area.

"The level of animal husbandry on the farm at Levisham is second to none and all the animals are slaughtered locally.

"Their devotion to the highest standards of animal husbandry and food preparation has led to their very well deserved reputation for top quality."

Updated: 15:20 Wednesday, February 08, 2006