A DURHAM butcher is celebrating after picking up more awards for his sausages.

Harry Coates, who has shops at Framwellgate Moor, Coxhoe and Trimdon Village, won a gold award in a national banger competition.

He picked up silver awards for his pork and leek, Cumberland, thick pork and lamb firecracker, and a bronze for his thin pork sausages.

Mr Coates said: "The sausages were judged raw and cooked and the beef got perfect marks raw.

"The sausages are gluten-free, which is a big thing for people on a wheat-free diet."

The family firm has picked up many national and regional awards over the years.

"This is one of many award successes. It reassures customers we are not letting our standards slip."

The competition was run by the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders.