A WIRRAL butcher is among the winners of Radio 4's Food and Farming Awards 2014.

Edge & Son in New Ferry was crowned best local food retailer during a ceremony in Bristol, and received their award from celebrity baker Mary Berry.

A fifth generation butchers, the firm places great emphasis on animal welfare, rare breeds and provenance. It also works with schools in the area, helping pupils to understand food production.

For the first time in the awards' 14-year history, the line-up of finalists covered every part of the UK.

Raymond Blanc, judge and award giver at the event, said: "These awards have also uncovered so many stories of great tasting food, producers, farmers, markets and retailers.

"All of them have made me feel excited about food in the UK. it makes me want to travel around the country and visit them all!"