A BUTCHER and a farmer who have been showing poultry for more than two decades are celebrating after landing a coveted supreme champion title.

Poultry breeders Barrie Alcock, of Great Ayton, and Ingleby Greenhow butcher John Fawcett overcame competition from several hundred birds from across the country at Countryside Live with their six-month-old Old English Game off-colour blue bantam.

Mr Alcock said while the pair struggled to attend many shows due to commitments, they were thrilled their work to bring out the breed's characteristics and to present it had paid dividends.

He said: "It is our biggest success so far.

“This is what you set out to achieve as a breeder and when it all goes right on the day, it is very satisfying and pleasing."

Mr Alcock said the success followed wins this year at the Stokesley, Egton and Nidderdale shows and they intended to show the Old English Game bantam, which is among the smallest chicken breeds, at the Carlisle Game Show in January.

He said: "The judges said it really shone out with its feathering, the way it stood and the way it presented itself.

"You always think when you take them to a show you do have a chance, but you never really know until you get there."