A Bucks snack company survived a grilling in TV’s Dragons' Den to walk away with a £70,000 investment from a multi-millionaire businessman.

Snaffling Pig Co persuaded greetings card pioneer Nick Jenkins to part with the cash for a 20 per cent stake in their innovative “porky snacks” concept.

The firm started as a bet between friends Nick Coleman and Udhi Silva over whether they could start a thriving business for just £500.

And now the growing company can now call on the expertise of super-rich Jenkins, the founder of online giant Moonpig.com.

After spending an hour pitching to the panel on the popular BBC Two show, which aired on Sunday night, the entrepreneur bought into their plan to expand their pork scratchings to a market-leading online gift empire.

Managing director Nick, who was joined on the show by colleague Andrew Allen, said: “Normally when you’re pitching for investment it takes place over a significant period of time.

“With Dragons' Den it’s one time and you’re done. It certainly put us outside of our comfort zone, but although it was a tough process we tried to enjoy it.”

The snack-loving pair said they decided to try their luck on the business show not for publicity or the urgent need for investment, but as a learning exercise.

Not that the company or its founders are short of expertise, having won the New Business of the Year prize at the Buckinghamshire Business Awards for their efforts so far.

Nick said: “Nick Jenkins can be a great figurehead for Snaffling Pig and yes he can open doors for us, but we really value the mentoring role he can play for us too.

“We love learning from people, getting advice and applying it. Every day is a school day for us. Since we secured his investment we’ve met with Nick a few times and he’s always been there for us on the end of the phone or over email.”

The Snaffling Pig Co has already had a taste of success, with its Crackling and Ale Gift Box named the Independent’s best Father’s Day alcoholic gift for 2016.

And with its products on sale at 900 locations and a new beer range, the future looks bright for the innovative entrepreneurs.

Nick added: “Every day can be a battle, so we’ll continue to keep our heads down and work hard.

“We’re continually gearing up for the future and making sure we’re prepared for whatever happens next.”

Nick also paid tribute to Bucks Business First, which has supported his company throughout its rise to success.

He said: “I’m not paying lip service when I say that we wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for the support of Buckinghamshire Business First.

“Its newsletters and website are really useful and are another great learning tool for us.”