Butchers beat rival county to win sausage award

Norfolk butchers James Middleton and Richard Bowers with their award-winning Lincolnshire sausages

A butcher's shop is celebrating after winning a national award for a variety of sausage made famous by a neighbouring county.

Bowers Butchers of King's Lynn, Norfolk, scooped the prize for the best Lincolnshire sausage at the 2024 UK Sausage Week competition in London.

James Middleton, 49, who runs the business with his uncle Richard Bowers, 81, said the two counties enjoyed a friendly rivalry.

"It's always nice to get one up on the neighbours! You want to come out on top, don't you?" he said.

Lincolnshire sausages are of pork and flavoured with the herb sage

Mr Middleton put their success down to years of experience.

"My grandad started this butcher's business almost 100 years ago and he focused on being a sausage maker," he said.

"So I think it's the care and craftsmanship that goes into it as well as the right cut of meat and what kind of skin you use.

"We use natural skins and shoulder of pork."

Bowers Butchers, based in Gaywood, still specialises in sausages, with about 20 varieties available at any one time.

As well as Lincolnshire - a pork sausage made with the herb sage - other types offered include wild mushroom and thyme, roast garlic and parsley and leek and mustard.

A special spiced pumpkin sausage is being offered for Hallowe'en.