A POPULAR Flintshire butcher has scooped the "gold medal" of sausage awards.

Mike Kennedy, who runs Fr Kennedy Butchers Ltd in Holywell, was crowned Champion of Champions 2022.

The competition is organised by the Meat Trades Journal, and the judging took place recently at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

Mike has won plenty of awards in the past - but this is the big one for him. 

"It's like the Olympic gold medal for butchers," he said. 

"I've been up for this award a number of years, and to finally be crowned champion is very special."

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Mike is marking his 50th year as a butcher - having taken on his father's business. 

"I originally wanted to go to veterinary school, but didn't get in," he said.

"My Dad told me to come and work at the butchers until I found something else - but I immediately fell in love with it and have been there ever since."

Mike, who celebrated his 66th birthday this week, said the key to his success is "paying attention to detail".

"Over the years I've tweaked my method," he said. 

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Judges sampled his traditional pork sausage - giving it full marks.

And people were quick to take to the butchers' social media page to heap praise on Mike. 

One person said: "Congratulations - it's well deserved. 

"We are all massive fans of your sausages in our house, including our toddler who absolutely loves them!"

Others described them as a "fabulous butchers" and the "best one around".