PIGEON, pheasant and partridge could be returning to the menu after the launch of a new wild game business. Shadow minister for agriculture and rural affairs, Jim Paice MP, officially opened Radwinter Wild Game Company last Monday. Entrepreneur Gilly Kidd

PIGEON, pheasant and partridge could be returning to the menu after the launch of a new wild game business.

Shadow minister for agriculture and rural affairs, Jim Paice MP, officially opened Radwinter Wild Game Company last Monday.

Entrepreneur Gilly Kiddy set up the business with her husband Jeremy in a converted grain store at their farm in Radwinter Park with finance from the East of England Development Agency and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

"It has been hard work to achieve this, but very satisfying," said Mrs Kiddy. "We have employed local craftsmen throughout the building project, and used environmentally sensitive materials as much as possible - we are proud of our new facility, and looking forward to doing business."

Martyn Foreman, from the Adcock Group who helped to build the plant, said game dealers were becoming a rarity because of tightened industry regulations.

"You used to be able to hang produce in the barn but these days everything has to be chilled," said Mr Foreman. "Radwinter has high hopes of cornering a market that few other suppliers are in."

The processing plant includes an intake chiller to receive the game, a boning room, a holding chiller, a packing room and cold store with a freezer.

Game in feather, fur and skin will be purchased and made oven-ready for the public and catering trade throughout the year. The wild game will include venison, pheasant, partridge, pigeon, hare and rabbit.

South East Cambridgeshire MP, Mr Paice, said: "Every farmer has to look for new enterprises and what better than to combine modern processing techniques with the timeless tradition of wild meat to fulfil the ever increasing demand for high quality food?"

For more information call the company on 07881 564950.