A SPECIAL pie marked a special milestone as a Pudsey butcher celebrated twenty five years in business.

Steve Martin, owner of Bentley’s butchers, in Robin Lane, baked a celebratory pie which he shared with customers at his town centre shop to mark the silver anniversary on March 25.

“Wherever you go in the UK, on local high streets the butcher is one of the few independent retailers still thriving. Pudsey is a prime example," said Mr Martin.

On his first day’s trading he had one employee and his day‘s takings amounted to a rather paltry £5. Today he employs 18.

Bentley's was named Great Northern Pork Pie and Sausage Products supreme champions in 2010 and 2011. They were also 'Supreme Sausage' champions in 2011.

More recently their Scotch eggs were winners at the Great Northern Pork Pie competition.