A BUTCHER is celebrating after picking up more awards for his sizzling sausages.

Harry Coates, who has shops at Framwellgate Moor, Coxhoe and Trimdon Village, all County Durham, won gold in a national competition run by the Federation of Meat and Food Traders.

He also picked up silvers for his pork and leek, Cumberland, thick pork and lamb firecracker sausages - which include chillis - and a bronze for his thin pork.

The family firm is no stranger to success, having picked up a string of national and regional awards for its products over the years.

Mr Coates said: "The sausages were judged raw and cooked, and the beef got perfect marks raw.

"It is also gluten-free, which is a big thing for people on a wheat-free diet.

"I would have been happy to get a bronze, but getting a gold and four silvers rather put the bronze award in the shade. It reassures customers we are not letting our standards slip."