Huddersfield has once again been proved a top town for pork pie eaters. Hinchllife's farm shop, at Netherton, seized first prize in the prestigous Pork Pie Appreciation Society annual competition at the Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden. Fifteen judges analysed "growl­ers" submitted by 34 West York­shire butchers and the wares of one entrant from Bolton. An Ilkley entrant was second and Parfitt's Bakery, at Ruth Street, Newsome, came third. A Halifax butcher was fourth.

Hlnchliffe's, of Netherton Moor Road, was a newcomer to the competition among many veterans. It Is the latest in a long line of Huddersfield butchers, bakers and pie-makers to scoop awards. Mr Simon Haigh, a partner in the business, said bakery manager Mr Stephen Hirst was to thank for the 55p champion pies.

He said: "We've been making pies for less than a year and we're very much the new boys on the block. "We entered our first competi­tion in Bradford last autumn and we came second. This is our first big win and the cup is in pride of place in the shop."

Mr Haigh added: "We can only put our victory down to good qual­ity ingredients, some unique seasoning and tender loving care." The event raised more than £600 for the Halifax Macmillan Appeal. Sausages and cornish pasties from the Huddersfield area have also trounced opposition in past contests.