British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray see record entries

The organisers have received a record number of entries

Record numbers of pies have been entered into a national awards show, its organisers have said.

The British Pie Awards, held in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, have received 976 entries.

The competition made national headlines in 2019 when a vegan bake claimed top spot but, this year, organisers said they had received the most entries in the steak pie class.

The announcement of this year's Supreme Champion will take place on Friday.

Will this kangaroo pie have the judges jumping for joy?

Organisers said this year's entries included a kangaroo, ale and Tasmanian pepperberry pie, a spiced miso beef short ribs and sour cherries pie, a Christmas dinner pie and a rhubarb and custard pie.

They said there had been a huge rise in entries to the vegan pie class but there were also many entries from butchers this year.

Pies will be out for judging and tasting in St Mary's Church in the town.

The announcement of the Supreme Champion will take place on Friday

Chairman Matthew O'Callaghan said: "It's great to have the awards back.

"There's a real buzz this year and competition is going to be pretty intense for those silver cups, which go to the winners of each of the 23 classes and, of course, for the Supreme Champion."

Which pie will be the upper crust?

At the highly competitive contest, which plays out over three days, 151 judges are running an expert eye over 23 different classes of hot and cold savoury and dessert pies and pasties.

The ceremonial blessing of the pies in what organisers have called "the cathedral of pies" was delivered this year by the Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow.

There was a record-baking 976 entries this year

The judges, many of whom are experts and old hands, are asked to mark the pies on various criteria including eating qualities, the filling, and how a maker could improve their entry.

Colin Woodhead, who has been judging chairman for four years, said: "What we're trying to do is improve overall qualities of pies in the United Kingdom - it's all about improvement."

The competition has been growing in popularity and profile, since launching in 2009, with this year's farthest pie-maker coming from Lochinver - more than nine hours' drive away from Melton.