An "inspirational" pig industry stalwart who devoted nearly four decades to the sector has scooped a top sector award.

Howard Revell was handed the 2024 David Black Award for his longstanding efforts to "help improve welfare of livestock and inspire others working in the British pig industry".

Mr Revell, of Woodbridge, was pig production director at BQP/Pilgrim's UK at Stradbroke, near Eye, from 2018 to 2024 when he retired.

The prestigious national accolade is now more than 60 years old. It is awarded to individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding impact on the pork sector through their work - and is named after a Suffolk pig farmer of the same name from Bacton, near Stowmarket.

Mr Revell received his accolade - sponsored by farmer levy-payers' organisation the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) - at the National Pig Awards which took place in London on Monday (November 18).

After studying agriculture at Newcastle University, he spent three years with Bowes of Norfolk before joining BQP/Pilgrim’s in 1987 as pig production manager.

He was deeply involved in the industry, twice chairing the National Pig Association (NPA) Producer Group and sitting on the NPA Board.

He was involved with the Pig Health and Welfare Council and played a role in the development of outdoor breeding sites.

Among those he mentored over the years were NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson and her predecessor Dr Zoe Leach - who is now National Farmers' Union (NFU) regional director for the East.

Last year’s award recipient Hugh Crabtree of Farmex said: “Sometimes people confuse outstanding with obvious or overt and of course, for those that know them, there are individuals who perfectly fit the criteria whose contribution is in the background, below the parapet if you like.

"Howard Revell is just such an individual who has been steadfast in his support of the industry, the representative organisations within it, and the people who work in it.

"His knowledge, careful consideration, and insightful contributions to discussion have just kept coming.”

Mr Revell said he was "extremely humbled" to receive an award.

"I would like to thank those who nominated me and, more importantly, everyone with whom I’ve worked alongside in various industry bodies or collaborations for the benefit of the pig industry," he said.

"I’m happy to accept this award on their behalf, in recognition of our collective efforts. I feel privileged to have worked alongside so many highly committed characters in the NPA and other bodies.

"The commitment and effort of these people, either as staff or volunteers, help make the industry stronger and deserve your ongoing support and recognition.”

NPA board member Marcus Bates praised Mr Revell's unpaid work within the industry.

“Howard’s achieved much more than longevity," he said.

"His most enduring legacy of all will be all the young people that he has helped to mentor throughout his career, offering support and guidance and helping to future proof the industry by nurturing young talent who will ensure the success of the British pig industry for years to come.”