A goose production newcomer was presented with an annual award, including a donation of goslings, at an annual goose walk held at Herons Farm, Coggeshall, in Essex.

Buckinghamshire goose producer David Bruce is this year’s winner of the John Adlard Memorial Award for newcomers to the field.

The award, presented by British Goose Producers chairman Eddie Hegarty, commemorates John Adlard, founder of the modern goose revival and chairman of British Goose Producers for 22 years.

“Through his association with premium turkeys, David Bruce is aware of the high standards customers are expecting from geese and we’re delighted to help get him started,” said Mr Hegarty.

The award, which includes a donation of goslings and specialist support through the first year, is made annually to encourage new goose producers.

Mr Bruce, who is also involved in a milk delivery business based at the farm, has been producing KellyBronze turkeys for the last eight years and sells all 300 in the farm shop. or many years he reared game birds and ducks — and so has found it an easy transition into geese.

The goose walk, attended by some 60 BGP members from across the country and Ireland, was hosted by Howard and Jane Blackwell who rear almost 2000 geese for Christmas along with turkeys and large table chickens.