A North-East butcher has won two of the meat industry's top national accolades.

George Bolam was named personality of the year at the annual Food and Farming Industry Awards, at a lunch in the House of Lords.

His business, George Bolam Foods, was highly commended in the food chain business of the year category.

For Mr Bolam, whose business in Sedgefield, County Durham, has built-up a national reputation, the chance to attend the ceremony was an honour in itself. He could hardly believe it when he took the two awards.

Judges for the personality of the year award said: "George Bolam works closely with local farmers to improve the quality of the pork, lamb and beef products he sells. The judges liked the way that he champions British food, but is passionate about improving its quality."

Mr Bolam said: "I'm so proud. It was a complete shock, we didn't even know we'd been nominated."

In a letter to his staff, Mr Bolam thanked them for their hard work and dedication.

Farmer Frank Dove, from Bishop Middleham, who made the nomination, said Mr Bolam thoroughly deserved the awards, especially for his help in keeping the industry afloat during the foot-and-mouth crisis.