Ellisons Butchers at Cullingworth has scooped another top accolade.

It has been named joint Yorkshire champion in the butchers shop category of the annual Countryside Alliance Awards.

The Halifax Road shop shares the title with Lishman’s of Ilkley. Both are members of the north-east region of the Butchers’ Q Guild, which represents the cream of the nation’s independent meat retailers.

The businesses will learn next month if they have won the national title.

The awards – now in their seventh year – are the result of public nominations.

Simon Hamlyn, Countryside Alliance regional director for the North of England, said: “It was impossible to choose between these two West Yorkshire outfits, so I am commending them both to the national judging panel.

“Ellisons excels in top-quality meat, skilled butchery and hog roast hire, while also cheering customers with their friendliness – nomination forms said that the team at Ellisons makes everyone feel like part of the community, which is an important factor in this award.”

Ellisons Butchers, established in 1976, is run by Paul Ellison and his sons John and Brendan. Over the years, the business has won many awards for its products in meat-industry competitions and product-evaluation events.

John Ellison said: “To become joint Yorkshire champion in the Countryside Alliance Awards must rank as one of our greatest accolades to date and can be put down to the efforts of the entire Ellisons’ team.”

The region will also be represented in the national finals by Keelham Farm Shop, Thornton, which has been chosen as the Countryside Alliance Yorkshire Local Food champion.