A CULLINGWORTH butchers is celebrating success in a prestigious annual awards scheme.

Ellisons scooped three gold accolades and a silver in the Smithfield Awards.

The awards programme – which is organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, and has been running for over 30 years – recognises the UK's top craft butchery products.

Ellisons won gold – the highest honour available – for its pork pie, dry cured middle bacon and brisket burger.

And silver was awarded for its dry aged sirloin steak, which is matured in front of a Himalayan salt wall to maximise flavour.

Entries were evaluated using a points system.

Judges included Gary Maclean, first national chef of Scotland and a MasterChef The Professionals winner, together with leading industry professionals and foodies.

Judging was carried out at the City of Glasgow College.

John Ellison, for Ellisons, says: "We're delighted to have been awarded three golds and a silver by the Q Guild of Butchers.

"They really are a seal of approval from the industry and are testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of our team."

Gordon Wallace, Q Guild manager, says: "The Smithfield Awards serve as a platform to recognise the very best in UK craft butchery.

"They're the meat trade’s foremost and most rigorous product evaluation, and achieving gold, silver or bronze is a fantastic endorsement."