A butcher's shop in Linford has won a top award for its sausages in a national competition.

York's Butchers in East Tilbury Road won the reserve champion award in the Smithfield Christmas Competition, run by the British Pig Association.

The shop, run by John York for the last 35 years, won the prize for its honeyroast sausages and took second place for its Cumberland sausages.

Around 50 other butchers competed in each section.

John York said: "It's quite an achievement because it's the first time we've ever entered a competition.

"We'll definitely be competing again next year to defend our title."

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001