FARMER'S wife Ann Martin was the toast of the Durham dales yesterday for her winning ways with pork pies.

She took first place in the third annual pork pie show at the Cross Keys pub, in Eastgate, Weardale.

Ann, who collected a trophy and a £10 prize, said: "I only managed fourth place last year, so I am over the moon to come first this time.

"Events like this are wonderful in showing that rural communities can pull together socially during the difficult times we have faced in the farming industry."

There were 25 other entries at the show, staged by the pub's Sunday Club. In second place was Weardale farmer's wife Christine Emerson, with local electrician Eddie Blackburn in third place.