A FAMILY butcher has won a national award for its pork pies.

J A Mounfield and Sons, in Staithe Street, Bubwith, picked up a platinum award for its pies. The business was one of only five companies to receive this national award in the Meatex competition at the NEC, Birmingham.

The contest, organised by the meat and baking industry, awarded up to 100 points for each of the 240 pies that were entered. The pork pie from Mounfields scored an impressive 95 points.

David Mounfield said: "I don't think we could have done much better. All our meat is bought locally and I think that makes a big difference."

But Mr Mounfield is used to his pork pies having the winning ingredients. His pies came top in the Yorkshire Pork Pie competition two years ago.

He also received a gold award for his pies in the meat and livestock competition at York Racecourse in June 2000.

The prize-winning pies are one of the butcher's most popular products in the shop and also at its stall in the farmer's market in York.

Updated: 11:26 Thursday, April 11, 2002