ANDOVER sausage maker Martin Martindale has been crowned the supremo of his field in a county-wide competition.

His Greenfield Pork Products, was given the title of Supreme Sausage Champion 2013 in Tuesday’s Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition after he impressed judges in both the traditional pork sausage category and speciality pork sausage category. He also won the title when it was last held in 2010.

Martin said: “We’re delighted to have won the title of Supreme Sausage Champion 2013.

“I’m also pleased for my son Tom for winning the speciality pork sausage category for his chilli and garlic sausage.

“The competition is really important to us as it helps us to gain local recognition.

“The feedback from the judges is really useful in helping us move forward and make our products even better.

“It’s a lot of work getting prepared for the competition but it’s worth it, I find it easiest to work on my entries at night when the business is closed.”

The competition, held in Winchester and back after a two year break, attracted 170 entries across 12 categories.

Newlyns Farm Shop, based in Weyhill, also won the hot eating pies category for its steak and onion pie and the Hampshire charcuterie for its ham hock terrine.

Mike Wright, chairman of Hampshire Fare and one of the event’s guest judges, said: “The competition has been a real showcase and celebration of local produce.

“The number of entries is testament to the active and enthusiastic local farming and meat trade.

“We are fortunate in Hampshire to have so many talented local producers dedicated to delivering top quality meat products.”