A poultry processing company with a Gloucestershire base has invested more than £6.5million in the last year to increase the rate of meat production.

Avara Foods, who have a base on the Newent Business Park, have announced the investment in a sister production plant over the county border in Hereford.

As part of a company-wide investment programme in the 10 facilities across the country, the Hereford plant has seen its factory technology upgrade.

Alongside an upgrade in facilities and worker pay, the site can now improve its production rate by 100,000 chickens per week - a mind-boggling 5.2million birds per year.

Avara, which is a joint venture between Cargill and Faccenda Foods, added that is has invested in technologies to create additional job opportunities, requiring new and greater skills.

Chris Hall, chief commercial officer at Avara Foods, said: "Our Hereford operations have been key to the company's wider success, and will be for the foreseeable future.

"The site undertakes a significant amount of specialist processing and directly supplies some of our biggest customers.

"This investment is all about making sure this site is fit for the future and cements our place as the city's largest employer.

"We're looking forward to celebrating more successes in Hereford over the coming years."

Richard Walden, site manager at Avara Foods, Hereford, added: "Our investment programme is great news for the city.

"Improving our operating infrastructure, increasing productivity and raising pay will improve efficiency, retain our valued colleagues and help make sure we are a sustainable business for the long term.

"We offer a great range of employee opportunities, ongoing development and training, and we're excited to welcome new colleagues to our team."

Founded in 2018, Avara Foods supplies chicken, turkey and duck to retailers, foodservice and food manufacturers.

Both Cargill and UK food business Faccenda Foods own a 50 per cent stake in the company.