WORCESTERSHIRE butchers Checketts of Ombersley has won a number of top prizes for their products in the Q Guild’s 2008 Smithfield Awards.

The awards are among the most highly coveted in the meat industry and a true indication of excellence. More than 400 products from Q members throughout the UK were assessed by an independent panel of experts at the meat technology department at Leeds’ Thomas Danby College.

Checketts won two gold, one silver and two bronze awards with gold going to its sweet cure back bacon and tasty meatballs.

At a special lunch and awards ceremony in Butchers Hall, London, TV chef and cookery school proprietor Lesley Waters presented the firm’s David and Tony Checketts with the awards.

David said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive these awards. It is fantastic for our business as the Smithfield Awards are envied throughout the trade, adding value and prestige to any product fortunate enough to win.

“As a Q member we regard ourselves as among the best butchers in Britain and this proves we have the products to match.”