SHOPPERS were treated to free bacon sandwiches from grateful farmers today (Tuesday, November 13).

The people of Middlesbrough were given the free sandwiches from farmers highlighting the high costs and losses in the farming industry.

Residents and workers in the town centre were invited to log onto to Facebook to request a free delivery of bacon sandwiches.

Pig farmers also toured the town in a Red Tractor, handing out free sandwiches to shoppers.   

The event was part of the 19-stop, national road show, launched by former England Rugby player and farmer’s son Phil Vickery.

The campaigners say pig farmers are facing rising production costs soar as droughts and crop failures around the world have driven up the price of feed and currently face losses of £12 per pig.

Richard Longthop, chairmanof the National Pig Assocation, said: “All the indications are that pork, bacon and sausages, like other foods will go up in price over the coming months. We wanted to say a big thanks to shoppers in Middlesbrough for sticking with us and giving out free bacon and sausages sandwiches seemed like the natural way to do it.

“We really appreciate the support from the public in the North-East, especially as we know a lot of people are feeling the pinch at the moment.”