Summer is here at last and what better way to celebrate it than a picnic? But... as we're sure you'll agree, a picnic isn't a picnic without pork. In the early 19th century a group of fashionable Londoners founded the Picnic Society - meeting regularly for food and frolics. This year it's time to bring that tradition back, but with a delicious porky twist - your very own "PIG'nic". Join the PIG'nic Society on Facebook and you'll get regular updates, tasty recipes for inspiration, as well as seeing what other PIG'nic'ers are up to.

Take a look at our tips, recipes, and handy essentials checklist to make sure your PIGnic will be a summer success.

• Cold meats such as ham off the bone and salami, along with leftover roast pork make great sandwich fillers.
• Sausage rolls and pork pies are perfectly portable PIG'nic food - easy to eat on the go.
• Pre cooked ham quiches, tarts and muffins are a delicious addition to any picnic basket.
• Cooked and cooled sausages either alone or added to pasta or rice make a tasty treat.
• Crispy bacon added to a salad gives it extra flavor.
• You can never go wrong with a loaf of fresh crusty bread and butter.
• Crisp summer veggies and fresh salad items complete the perfect picnic hamper.
• Don't forget to pack condiments like mustard and mayo to add extra oomph.

• A cool box or iced drinks to keep everything cool (just don't forget to put the ice packs in the freezer the night before)
• Plates, cutlery, cutting knives and glasses
• Napkins and wet wipes/hand sanitizer
• Bottle opener/corkscrew
• Rug
• Sun cream
• Umbrella (for the great summertime weather!)
• Some entertainment, especially if there will be children at your PIG'nic. Footballs and Frisbees are easy to pack and help keep everyone entertained for hours.

• Mini pork and mango picnic skewers with dips
• Pork, plum and sage pasties
• Stuffed porkie bloomer
• Bacon, bean and herb salad
• Lemonade gammon with a pimms glaze
• Mini pork and caramelised onion pies