Their training, on the BPEX/Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Development Programme, has helped them boost pig productivity and staff motivation on their units.

A special student of the year award went to Dean Brammer who has been recently promoted to manage one of Midland Pig Producers' units at Branston in Lincolnshire.

He said: "The course has made a real difference to me in my new role. It's helped me communicate better with my team and helped get us working more efficiently together."

Every candidate received a certificate in First Line Management from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) after 10 months of management training sessions, written course work and practical application on farm. The presentation was made at Sandburn Hall near York, after their final training session which focused on increasing performance through training and coaching staff.

The ILM course is designed for anyone responsible for leading people or who will take on the responsibility in the near future. The training is provided by Alistair Gibb of Cedar Associates.

For more information on future courses, e-mail Lis Ravn or call 07891 656 784.