ENTRIES are now open for the Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition.

This annual event is organised by local food group, Hampshire Fare, and last year saw almost 196 entries from 29 butchers.

Competitors can enter categories including Traditional Pork Sausage, Meatballs and Faggots, Black Pudding, Hampshire Sausage, Young Sausage Maker, Hot Eating Pie, Charcuterie and Speciality Pork Sausage.

The competition will be held at The Holiday Inn near Winchester on Tuesday, October 27 and is open to butchers, apprentice butchers and producers based in Hampshire.

The competition organisers are keen to see entries from butchers and producers who have not been involved in the competition before.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager at Hampshire Fare said: “We are always overwhelmed by the interest in the Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition - it is one of the largest competitions of its kind in the country.

“We would love to see even more butchers entering this year. We know the paperwork involved and the strict rules can be off putting for some but we are here to help support entrants and answer any questions.

“Just give us a ring and we can chat through what is involved and send more information out to you.”

Entries are assessed by a panel of judges consisting of 12 professional judges and 12 local guest judges. They look at texture and structure, taste and smell, appearance and colour and ease of cutting.

Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards are given to entries, one winner is chosen for each category and then an overall Supreme Champion is selected.

This year’s competition is taking place the week before British Sausage Week, November 2-8.

For more information, log on hampshirefare.co.uk or call 02380 733830.