A North Yorkshire butcher has been voted Champion for the North East, beating 62 other experts with the shop’s traditional pork pie.

The pie, made by JA Mounfield & Son, of Selby, was one of 277 submitted for judging by the pig farmers’ association (BPEX) at its roadshow in Harrogate.

Other local butchers who obtained a gold award at the Yorkshire Showground included Whixley-based Voakes Pies and York butcher Arthur Haigh Ltd, who picked up awards for his back bacon and black puddings.

Mounfield & Son also won category champion titles in the speciality hot eating pie category with a farmhouse chicken and ham pie and the traditional pork pie category, as well as overall champion on the day.

David Mounfield, owner of the shop, said the win was unexpected: “We’re delighted but surprised, given we had a power cut just as the pies were being cooked and almost didn’t make it.

“We’ve had success with the pork pie before but we’re always looking to improve it and the product evaluation events help us do this. So much so, that we’ve now got it just right and actually scored maximum marks for these two pies.”

Judges scored pies for their overall appearance, size and colour, ease of cutting, texture, structure, taste and smell.

But David said the shop wouldn’t be resting on its laurels: “We also entered a couple of new products this year, although both achieved ‘gold’ awards we’ve some feedback and there is room for improvement.”

Keith Fisher, butchery and product development manager with BPEX, said: “The awards not only highlight the level of skill on display, but they are a great way for local butchers to demonstrate to customers the quality of products they have available and really give themselves an edge over their competition. Our congratulations go to JA Mounfield on their success.”