CELEBRITY chef Brian Turner will run the rule over leading butchers' barbecue offerings in the North-East later this month.

The renowned restaurateur and regular participant on television's Ready, Steady, Cook programme is the guest judge at this year's Guild of Q Butchers' National Barbecue Championships.

He will sample and taste the best barbecue ideas from members of the guild.

Twelve teams of butchers from across the country will compete for the coveted title, up for grabs at the Ramside Hall Hotel, at Carrville, near Durham.

The event also features a competition for the guild's corporate members, mainly suppliers to the meat trade.

The menu is expected to feature such specialities as Devon scrumpy burgers, red pepper salsa steaks and other exotic sounding products donated for the event by Weber UK.

Guild membership is confined to the leading independent meat retailers, noted for product innovation, presentation and quality.

The pick of the products on offer at the championship will be selected for Q promotions during the 2004 barbecue season.

Championship committee chairman Martin Blackwell said: "The event always produces exciting and imaginative barbecue products, which the guild hopes to promote nationally.

"The presence of Brian Turner adds a touch of glamour and his expert comments on the products will be much appreciated by the participants," said Mr Blackwell, a Q butcher, of Norton, near Stockton.