A NORTH Yorkshire market town aims to put itself on the culinary map with a pie combining its most famous product and locally-reared beef.

Members of the public are being asked to come up with the perfect recipe for Tadcaster Steak and Ale Pie.

Brewers John Smith's, Samuel Smith's and Bass all have operations in the town, so there should be no problem getting hold of supplies of beer.

Tadcaster Chamber of Trade and Commerce president Brian Percival said: "The town has not been moving very far in the last few years, both in terms of its economic prosperity and in attracting tourists.

"We felt it needed a new initiative, something which would get people talking and which would mean an instant association with Tadcaster."

John Smith's Brewery has already pledged its support to the Tadcaster pie idea, as have the National Farmers' Union and Meat and Livestock Commission - who see it as good news for the much-maligned beef industry.

Mr Percival said: "The concept of a pie with a recipe that's unique to Tadcaster is part and parcel of the chamber of trade's efforts to revitalise the town."

He said Tadcaster was once an important coaching town on the York-London road.

"The local historical society is doing some research for us to find out why people came to Tadcaster in the past, and what they drank and ate while they were here. Historically, the town has been a watering hole."

It is hoped that the pie will do for Tadcaster what cheese has done for Wensleydale, sausages for Cumberland, 'cakes' for Eccles and tarts for Bakewell - creating a product with which it can be associated and boosting tourism.

Mr Percival said it was planned to launch a recipe competition during February and entry forms should be available from next week.

Anyone interested in entering should ring Brian Percival at Tadcaster Business Centre on 01937 835861. People who submit the top 20 recipes will then be asked to produce their pies for judging in April.

The chamber of trade and other members of the Tadcaster Regeneration Group hope the pie and other initiatives such as moving the town's Thursday market out of the central car park and into Kirkgate will provide a much-needed boost for the local economy.

An experiment before Christmas, when the market was moved to Kirkgate on a couple of Thursdays, was judged such a success that a further 12-month trial now looks set to get the go-ahead.

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