A FAMILY butchers has brought home the bacon in a top regional awards programme.

Drake & Macefield has been declared a Deliciously Yorkshire champion.

The business won the Best Prepared Meat (Hot) category of the awards.

Winners were announced in a ceremony at the Yorkshire Pavilions, Harrogate.

Drake & Macefield took the honours, against tough opposition, for its smoked back bacon.

Smoking and curing is carried out at the firm's Cross Hills processing unit.

Paying tribute to the product, the awards team said: "The entry was a serious standout for the judges, who loved its perfectly-controlled level of smoke. Moist, unctuous and well balanced, the fat is juicy and full of flavour, with the perfect level of salt. We love its rich sweetness and know that breakfast would be memorable with this on our plates."

Drake & Macefield directors Steve and Andrew Teal were presented with the accolade by 'Yorkshire Shepherdess' Amanda Owen and celebrity chef Stephanie Moon.

Steve says: "We are hugely honoured that all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in the smoking and curing has been recognised with this prestigious award."

Drake & Macefield has a shop in Cross Hills, as well as outlets at Settle and Skipton.

Deliciously Yorkshire is a non-profit organisation that promotes and celebrates the region's food and drink community.