More than seven million BBC Countryfile viewers will learn about a novel breed of cattle this weekend thanks to a Dorset farm.

Wessex Lowlines, a business based near Blandford, will appear on the Sunday night programme after being visited by Cotswold farmer and presenter Adam Henson earlier this month.

It is thought to be the first time Lowline cattle have appeared on UK national television.

Farm manager David Maughan said: “It is fantastic to have the opportunity to show what we do with our animals and to promote the breed.

“We have been growing our herd of Lowlines for more than eight years and it is now the largest in Europe, but most farmers and smallholders won’t know about them.

“BBC Countryfile and Adam Henson were interested because we are doing something a bit different. Lowlines are smaller than many commercial breeds but you can keep more per acre of land and they are docile, easy-handling, grass-fed animals, and the beef tastes amazing.”

During the visit Adam met the small team of people who run the farm and tasted some Lowline steaks from the on-site farm shop.

Wessex Lowlines say they hope the programme will generate bookings from like-minded farmers and smallholders who can see the cattle first-hand at an open day on Sunday, October 7.

The programme is due to air at 7pm on Sunday, August 26 on BBC One.