A BLACKHILL butchers is celebrating after an award in a national food contest.

The Farmers Butcher, near Wellow, was awarded a star for its unsmoked dry cured back bacon as part of the Great Taste awards.

Judged by more than 500 people, from food critics, chefs and cooks, Great Taste put the bacon to the test out of more than 12,000 entries.

Owner of The Farmers Butcher, Michael Alexander, said they believe that the meat is some of the best bacon on the market.

Michael, who is also the master butcher, said: “We are very proud of the product we produce,m and believe it to be among some of the best bacon you can buy.

“So, we decided that we would challenge that ideal against the best bacon out there. We are extremely pleased with our reward of a Great Taste star. Recognised as a stamp of excellence among consumers, Great Taste values taste above all else.”

Michael previously spent eight years at award-winning butchers, The Dairy Barn near Stockbridge, before spending time in Wiltshire, and now running the butchers on Blackhill Road with his wife Sarah.

The butcher entered the trade straight from school.

The panel of judges for The Great Taste awards this year feature former Masterchef winner Kenny Tutt, food writer Tom Hunt and recipe writer Martha Collison. The judging takes place by taking all food and drink out of its packaging before being taste tested.

The butchers, based at Swallowfields Farm, also sells to hotels including The White Horse Hotel and Brasserie and Stanwell House Hotel in Lymington, as well as the New Forest Hotel Group.