BLUE cheese, honey and mustard have proved a winning formula for a Bedale butcher.

J B Cockburn and Sons won first prize in Northallerton and District Butchers' Association speciality burger and sausage competition for the second year running.

The family firm won the Arthur Haigh Trophy for best burger with a distinctive pork and Stilton recipe and the sausage contest with a pork, honey and mustard banger.

James Cockburn runs the business with his brother, Mark. "Every year we try out a new line when it gets close to barbecue season," he said. "We try to do something a little different each time.

"Whenever a member of staff comes up with a good idea, we experiment with it then try it out by offering samples to our customers. If it goes well, it stays on."

Recent novel recipes which have proved a hit with regulars include a South African-style borewors sausage, with red wine and brandy.

Arthur Haigh's of Dalton, near Thirsk, won second place in the sausage contest and Sarah Jane Ballard of Thirsk came second in the burger competition.