Still planning your Christmas dinner? Traditional Norfolk butchers are a cut above

The winning window display at M&D Butchers in Sheringham. (Image: Submitted)

A north Norfolk butcher proved a cut above after winning a county-wide competition for the second year in a row.

M&D Butchers in Church Street, Sheringham, has been judged to have the best dressed Christmas window for its decorative display which included all the meats imaginable for a festive feast – including a snowman made from sausage meat.

And the result tasted that bit sweeter for shop owners Martin Rowe and Debbie Cutting having beaten Cromer butcher Icarus Hines to the crown. They served the eventual runner-up for a total of 35 years between them before taking over the shop in Sheringham last year.

The competition - which was sponsored by local abattoir H G Blake (Costessey) Ltd, was organised by Norfolk Food & Drink Ltd, its last event of the year - to raise awareness of traditional butchers and encourage more people to shop local this Christmas.

Cromer butcher Icarus Hines was runner-up in the window display. Picture: KEIRON TOVELL PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: © Keiron Tovell Photography 2016)

In the other category, H V Graves of Briston won the best counter display, with Coxfords Butchers of Aylsham named runner-up.

Mr Row said: 'We've had a fantastic response from customers, they really loved to see our display, it reminded them of what butchers were like when they were younger.

'We pride ourselves on being a friendly butchers, we do the traditional things, where customers can come in for a chat and order what they want.

'I look forward to having a nice traditional Christmas dinner with turkey.' And, on the friendly rivalry with his good friend and former employer Icarus Hines, he added: 'He was pleased, having worked for him for 24 years, it was nice to know his pupil has come good.'

Bradley Graves, Jane Blake, chairwoman of H G Blake Ltd, presents Bradley and Sonia Graves with the prize for best counter display at H V Graves in Briston - at H V Graves in Briston. Picture: KEIRON TOVELL PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: © Keiron Tovell Photography 2016)

Both winning butchers in H.G. Blake's Butchers Christmas Window Competition have been awarded a rosette and trophy from the sponsors, as well as a free Google Street view Business Tour of their shop, donated by Paul Brittain, Google photographer.

The best photograph of the displays by a member of the public has also won a prize.

Ian Collarbone captured a shot of a lady admiring the display at M&D butchers. He will be presented with his own Christmas turkey, donated by Morton's Traditional Taste Turkeys.

Sarah de Chair, chairman of Norfolk Food & Drink Ltd, said: 'We are so grateful to all those butchers who took part this year from across Norfolk and for the effort they have put into their displays. I know it is a busy time of year for all butchers but if these displays have made just one person smile and brought in several new customers to their shops it has been a worthwhile competition.

The winner of the best counter display was H V Graves, Briston. (Image: Submitted)

'This is just the reason for running the competition, to get more people to buy from their local butchers rather than the supermarket. We would now encourage all your readers to visit their local butchers to stock up for Christmas. By supporting your local butcher you are helping the Norfolk economy.'

And she added: 'We are most grateful to our very supportive sponsor H G Blake and to Mrs Jane Blake and to Managing Director Andrew Clarke for their judging skills and comments.'

Coxfords Butchers in Aylsham were runner-up in the best counter display. Johnny Payne and Jason Gibbons are pictured receiving their prize from Jane Blake, chairwoman of H G Blake Ltd. Picture: KEIRON TOVELL PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: KEIRON TOVELL PHOTOGRAPHY)

The best photograph of the displays by a member of the public has also won a prize. (Image: Submitted)