THE succulent sausages and brilliant bacon from this pig farm may be one of Bolton's best kept secrets.

It is almost a year since Martin and Jane Bayliss opened their small butcher's shop at Asmus Farm Cottage, in Harwood, during which time it has become hugely popular with food fans in the know.

The pig farm, at the top of Brook Fold Lane, is a labour of love for the couple and their four children.

Martin, a former chef, has been dreaming of raising pigs since he was a boy and now looks after more than 70 at the picturesque location, including 12 newborn piglets.

The 43-year-old, who runs the farm despite having lost his leg in motorbike accident in 2009, said: "Every one of our customers has heard about us through word of mouth alone and we are getting more and more people coming to the shop, even though it is tough to find.

"It is a small place but we are very passionate about it.

"I absolutely love what I do, even when you are out in the wind and rain covered in muck.

"There is a a lot blood, sweat, and tears that goes into raising these pigs.

"People ask me how I can stand to send them to be slaughtered, especially when I have seen them as little piglets. But the reason is that I know they have led a good life here, better than they would elsewhere."

The farm, which started out with just three pigs, is now supplying food for The Victoria Inn — also known as Fanny's — in Markland Hill.

Martin added: "There is a lot of rubbish pork out there, so people come to us because they can see what they are getting and where it has come from.

"We only sell food that would be good enough for us to give to our own children.

"Pork gets such a bad press. Pigs are probably the worst-treated animals after chickens, some of them never live outdoors.

"But I know that our pigs live a good life."

Martin and Jane were both widowed and met through the charity Widowed and Young, and have now been married for almost four years.

Jane said: "When we first started talking about a farm, I didn't envision that we would be doing this. Martin did have to twist my arm a little bit.

"But I love it and it is very rewarding to see what we have done. The food is fantastic and everyone who comes here raves about it."

The shop will be open every Friday and Saturday until Christmas from 9am to 1pm.