A BUTCHERS has proved a cut above the rest by winning a national industry award.

Geo Middlemiss & Son, of Market Street, Otley, walked away with the title of supreme pork pie champion with their family stand pie at The Craft Bakers and Butchers Extravaganza, held in Harrogate.

The firm won the initial large pork pie category, for those weighing 1lb, and then beat the winner of the small category in the event’s final.

The Otley butcher’s pie included three extra secret spices, which won over the judges.

The tasty prize was given by the Craft Bakers Association (CBA) and the Confederation of Yorkshire Butchers Councils, who joined forces for the event.

It was open to butchers and master bakers throughout the country, who make products on their own premises.

Peter Middlemiss, 51, partner in Geo Middlemiss & Son, said he was delighted to win the award and cycled to Sunday’s event in Harrogate with his produce, returning with the trophy.

He said: “It feels really good to win, I’m chuffed.

“Winning the award just helps our business. It helps the town and brings people into the town that may enjoy their pork pies.

“Yorkshire is a big pork pie area. People like their pork pies in Yorkshire.

“We have not won an award for a while and it is nice to get the recognition for all of our hard work.

“They were all good pies and we needed to stand out from the others.”

The butchers was set up in 1881 by John Middlemiss, the present owner’s great-great-grandfather, from a stall in Otley Market Place. The firm moved to its current site in 1900.

Five generations of the Middlemiss family have been providing Otley residents with award-winning meats from their own Manor Farm in nearby Askwith.

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There may be a sixth generation, as Mr Middlemiss’s son, Luke, 15, works at the company’s shop every Saturday.

The firm sells items including steak and lamb pies and quiches. It has also branched out into confectionery items and scones.

Meanwhile, Geo Middlemiss will be hoping for further awards success when its curd tart is up for a prize at the Deliciouslyyorkshire Taste Awards, held in Harrogate, on November 1.