AN independent butcher hopes to win the retail war against its superstore neighbours thanks to its award-winning home-made produce.

Allison's of Ferryhill, between Safeway and Co-op supermarkets in Market Street, Ferryhill, has landed a haul of awards in an industry competition.

Boss John Allison believes that the success is down to his commitment to traditional methods and top quality local produce, and hopes it encourages people to buy from local shops.

Allison's of Ferryhill picked up gold awards for its home-cured smoked back bacon, traditional pork sausage, Mediterranean pork sausage, pork pies, home-cured middle bacon, steak pies and home-cured gammon steaks.

All seven products then progressed to a championship contest, and three won the top titles at the British Pig Executive's regional roadshow.

Mr Allison said: "It means a lot to our business to win important awards, we are fighting the big supermarkets.

"But I think this proves it is worth a little extra effort to buy good quality, local produce and support local traders.

"We don't cut corners and only use the best quality meats - that means things taste good and people know what is going into our food."