A pig breeder has bounced back following the devastating theft of his Christmas meat orders by establishing a new butchery and farm shop.Philip Brown almost lost his livelihood a year ago after burglars stole more than �5,000 worth of gammon, bacon and sides of pork from his premises in Rickinghall, near Diss.

A pig breeder has bounced back following the devastating theft of his Christmas meat orders by establishing a new butchery and farm shop.

Philip Brown almost lost his livelihood a year ago after burglars stole more than �5,000 worth of gammon, bacon and sides of pork from his premises in Rickinghall, near Diss.

The farmer spoke of his hope of building up his enterprise this week after bringing his business onto his home in the north Suffolk village.

The Ultimate Joint butchery has moved from the Willow Farm Business Units to a converted workshop off the B1113 three miles away where Mr Brown and his wife, Glynis, farm rare-breed Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, lambs, chickens and turkeys on a 5ha smallholding.

The relocation in Rickinghall comes after Mr Brown's property was raided in December 2008 - the third time in five years. The businessman said he was determined that the burglary would not get the better of him.

'In stealing all my Christmas orders, the thieves essentially stole my livelihood. Local butchers are closing down all the time because of one reason or another - there was no way that I was going to have that happen to me because of the inconsiderate actions of one or two individuals.'

'Everyone was really supportive and helped us maintain our commitment to local farming and local produce, especially in this economic climate,' he said.

Work on the new butchery, which was approved by Mid Suffolk District Council, was carried out last year and was recently signed off by building inspectors.

The couple's meat is sold at the butchery, at farmers' markets in Harleston, Rickinghall, Stradbroke and Wyken, near Stanton, and online at www.welovelocalfood.co.uk.