CRAWSHAWBOOTH butchers Riley’s has scooped another major industry award.

It lifted the North of England title at The Meat Trades Journal’s annual Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards The Burnley Road establishment beat off competition from Blackwell Butcher’s in Stockton-on-tees and SJ Beddington Butcher’s of Chester to claim top spot.

For husband and wife team Geoff and Paula Riley, the award comes hot on the heels of six Smithfield Awards – the butcher’s answer to the Oscars – and being shortlisted at the Lancashire Telegraph’s recent business awards.

Mr Riley said: “The past 12 months have been all about investing in our facilities and our output which has enabled us to update equipment, expand our bakery department and the products we sell. This award is a brilliant end to the year.

“We are thrilled to have won the title of North of England Butcher’s Shop of the Year. It’s a fantastic achievement for Riley’s.”

The shop impressed judges this year with the installation of a brand new kitchen and bakery and a walk-in fridge and freezer.