Winnie-the-Pig, mascot of British pig farmers through a turbulent decade, has died peacefully in her sleep at the age of nine.
Winnie was the veteran of many campaigns, as pig farmers fought for a fairer price for the pigs they rear. Highlights of Winnie's
career include two major protests in
London - a three month campaign in Westminster Square in 2000 and, this year, the Pigs Are Worth It demonstration in Whitehall.
"Winnie played a vital role in helping draw attention to our cause." said Barney Kay of the National Pig Association. She was always good-natured and seemed to enjoy the attention. Everyone who was involved with Winnie is going to miss her. She may have passed on but the campaign for fairer prices is still going strong. Prices have risen but the industry has lost millions of pounds. More money still needs to pass down the chain to farmers."