A MARKET trader has scooped a national award for his traditional pork bangers.

Fishmonger Glen Furnival, known as The Fish Man of Leigh, entered the The Great British Butcher's Awards after starting his sausage company in November.

Leigh Market-based Glenn, who is also a butcher, has been handed Gold in the Best Sausage category of the awards.

Glenn said: “The traditional pork sausage is the basis for a lot of sausage products.

"We could have entered our other meats in different categories such as burgers, bacon or steak, but we chose sausages because the sausage element of the business was only set up late last year and I wanted to spread the word.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have been given the Gold award.

"Not only is this a national award but I’m the only fishmonger to have been given Gold.

"I can officially say that Leigh’s Fish Man has some of the best pork sausages in the nation!”

Glenn received 57 out of 60 points for his traditional pork sausages based on a range of qualities including appearance, taste, smell, texture, how the sausages cook and overall appeal.

Retail butchery specialist Dalziel, and The Institute of Meal organise the annual awards to celebrate excellent meat products in British retail outlets.

Out of 470 product entries received across eleven categories, 144 products have been awarded a Gold accolade.

Judging takes place over three days by a team of expert judges including chefs, meat consumer fans, industry experts and food technologists.

Outstanding taste and quality are honoured above all else, with no regard to branding or packaging.

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Retail sales director at Dalziel, Daniel Upson, said: “It’s great to see the passion, innovation and creativity behind many locally loved retail butchers’ meat products.

“Equally, it’s vital for the development of the industry that we get behind our favourite butchers and encourage their craft, which is one of the world’s oldest skills.

“Despite the inherent popularity of meat, this is a challenging and competitive marketplace for butchers.

"As British consumers opt to reduce their meat consumption in line with global eating trends, great opportunities are opening up for butchers to be more innovative in their approach to new types of meat products.”

Glenn’s award also comes at the end of the annual Love Your Local Market fortnight, a campaign supported by 24 countries worldwide encouraging shoppers to support small businesses and keep the market industry thriving.

Although permanently based at Leigh Market, Glenn also trades in Tyldesley Square every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, in his portable trailer following a large demand from residents.

Customers can buy a range of fresh fish and meat from the trailer, or they can order different cuts ready to pick up the following Saturday.

Leader of Wigan Council Cllr David Molyneux said: “We’re committed to helping our local markets, traders and small businesses to thrive and will always support their achievements.

“It’s brilliant that Glenn’s dedication to providing top-quality and fresh products has been recognised in this very deserving way and we hope that it will encourage even more people to shop at the popular Leigh Market.”