A FAMILY-run pie company in Evesham is celebrating after scooping a host of top awards for the second year running.

The Outdoor Pig Company, in Chapel Street, has claimed a place among the nation's best pie makers after winning two Class Champion awards and was crowned runner up in an additional class at the British Pie Awards.

The company won the top Class Champion Awards for its Family Pork Pie and Chicken and Mushroom Pie and came second for its Beef, Venison and Red Wine Pie.

And it also won another three Gold, two Silver and a Bronze award at the ceremony in Melton Mowbray on April 30.

It is the second year running the company has received Champion status at the Awards for their Pork Pies.

The judging panel, led by chairman Ian Nelson of Hovis Ltd, included national food writers Charles Campion, Xanthe Clay and Felicity Cloake and TV chefs Andy Bates and Rachel Green.

They taste-tested pies entered in 19 different classes and judged them on appearance, texture and flavour for both pastry and filling.

Sadie and Rob Downey of The Outdoor Pig Company said: "We are proud of our pies and to gain two Class Champion awards at the British Pie Awards by industry experts above our fellow pie makers is a real achievement.

"We can't believe we achieved Champion for the second year on the trot for our Pork Pie. It has been great to be part of this celebration of British food and we look forward to introducing our award-winning pies to even more people."

Matthew O'Callaghan, MMPPA (Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association) chairman, said: "Congratulations go to all our winners, whose achievement this year is remarkable.

"Our aim is to recognise the hard work, skill and passion of the nation's pie makers and the judging panel and organisers were all bowled over by the standard of entries."

The Outdoor Pig Company products are stocked in outlets throughout the Vale and the Cotswolds including Ellenden Farm Shop, Harvington, Collins Butchers, Broadway, and Hayles Fruit Farm in Winchcombe.