BUTCHER Joe Smith is preparing to cross cleavers with the country's best in a national contest.

He is among seven competitors going head to head for the Premier Young Butcher title.

Mr Smith, from Oakworth, has been shortlisted for the accolade by the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders.

"I'm in it to win – I'm really keen to give it my best," he said.

Mr Smith, 22 this month, who works for Lishman's in Ilkley, is no stranger to success.

Last year he took the Dalziel Young Butcher crown at a competition in Leeds.

He was inspired to become a butcher at a young age.

"As a lad of 14 I walked past a butcher's shop and said 'I wouldn't mind doing that one day'," said Mr Smith.

"I started off working after school and on Saturdays and then I came to Lishman's – I've been here for five years now.

"I'm very enthusiastic about it. I like creating new dishes."

The final takes place at Stoneleigh on June 30.