INDEPENDENT butchers in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are being urged to enter the Excellence in Meat Awards.

The Midlands heat, the largest of the regional competitions in British Meat's nationwide search for excellence in independent butchers, takes place this Sunday, July 1 at the Staffordshire County Showground.

According to the organiser John Holden, British Meat sales development manager for the Midlands, entry forms for the awards have been posted to all independent butchers across the area.

They only have until tomorrow to enter in the five categories on which products will be judged. The categories are traditional pork sausage, speciality sausage, pork pie, speciality pies, and added value products.

The awards, sponsored by Bizerba, Dalziel and Kerry Ingredients, are organised on a regional basis with category winners going through to compete in the national finals later in the year.

Further information is available from Mr Holden on 01299 879259.