A FAMILY butcher business in Bedale is celebrating after coming out on top of a sausage and burger competition for the sixth year in a row.

Cockburn JB and Sons, based in the Market Place, Bedale, won best sausage for its caramelised onion and cracked black pepper banger and top burger for its beef, caramelised onion and mozzarella patty at the recent competition run by Northallerton and District Butchers’ Association.

The competition area covers Northallerton, Thirsk, Masham, Bedale, Leyburn, Hawes, Stokesley, and Great Ayton, and is judged by Ladies in Pigs – a group of women who promote the local farming industry.

Cockburn Butchers, run by Mark and Jonathan Cockburn, serve the winning products all year round, and do not make products especially for the competition.

Mark Cockburn said: “We are delighted to win this award again – for the last six years we have won in either the sausage or burger category so it is fantastic to be the best in both.”