Two Darlington businesses have joined in their efforts to celebrate British Pie Week including giving away free award-winning piccalilli.

Since being launched by a pastry company in 2007, British Pie Week has grown as the annual celebration of all things filled pastry.

Though most likely invented by the ancient Romans more than 2,000 years ago, few people can claim to love the humble pie as much as Brits - who spend an estimated £1bn a year on savoury pies.

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To mark the week, which runs from March 6 to 12, W. Alderson & Son - a traditional butchers in Cockerton - is celebrating by pairing their famous home-made pies with condiments from the award-winning Calder's Kitchen.

The Northern Echo: The promotion will run throughout National Pie WeekThe promotion will run throughout National Pie Week (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Customers who buy a four pack of their favourite pies will be able to pick up a free jar of award-winning piccalilli or chutney of their choice.

Shop owner and manager Nigel Alderson, who is the third generation of his family to run the butcher's shop told The Echo: “We have always been passionate about using locally sourced ingredients and products for our customers and love treating them to something new.

"British Pie Week is a great way to celebrate the great British institution of the pie, have a bit of fun with it and introduce a new range of Calder’s Kitchen condiments that we recently began stocking in the shop.”

Andrew Calder, founder of Calder's Kitchen, started making Piccalilli in 2015 after discovering his grandad's recipe which, and has since gone on to win awards for it and branched out to other chutneys and condiments.

The Northern Echo: Every customer buying a four-pack of pies will get a free jar of piccalilli or chutney during National Pie weekEvery customer buying a four-pack of pies will get a free jar of piccalilli or chutney during National Pie week (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

He was delighted to join up with Alderson & Son having moved to the Darlington area recently. “It was a bit of a coincidence as I’d heard from the lady in our post office that Nigel, who is a big champion of working with local suppliers, had seen our Piccalilli being discussed in a North East butchers' group on Facebook," he said.

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"We loved the idea of the Pie Week offer so it’s great to get involved. I’m sure customers will love to get stuck in this week and take advantage of the deal."

One of the highlights of British Pie Week is the British Pie Awards where entrants in 23 categories will be awarded. Roughly 1,000 pies are entered into the competition each year, with the "Pie of Pies" award going to the best overall pie from all categories.

The awards will be dished out on Wednesday.