FARMERS in Herefordshire are hoping for an upturn in the mutton market following a drive by the Prince of Wales to revive Britain's once traditional meat dish.

With the help of some top London chefs and livestock industry representatives, the Prince is backing the launch of an annual mutton festival next year as part of a marketing offensive. The idea was discussed by the Prince, chefs and producers at Highgrove, the Prince's home in Gloucestershire.

The guests enjoyed mutton from the Prince's own rare breed of Hebridean sheep.

John Thorley, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, who was at the Highgrove event, agreed with the Prince that there was considerable potential for mutton and that there were many opportunities to feature the meat in leading restaurants.

"Of course, it needs to be hung and cooked properly," said Mr Thorley. "But there are many ideas for its use and these were discussed at Highgrove. It used to be extremely popular, being the traditional meat."

Mr Thorley said the production of mutton could provide extra income for the producer and boost the sheep industry.

l THE Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has thanked the Prince of Wales for his support, especially during the foot-and-mouth outbreak, by commissioning a portrait of him.

The portrait in oils, by Cardiff artist David Griffiths, was shown to the Prince at a reception at Highgrove.