A SAMLESBURY butcher has been chosen to represent Britain in an international meat traders' competition.

Tom Wood, butchery manager at Huntley's Country Stores, has been announced as one of the five UK Butchers to compete in the Tri Nations competition in New Zealand later this year.

The competition, now in its fifth year, sees butchers from Britain, Australia and New Zealand compete against each other, with competing teams given a beef side and a full lamb carcass as the base ingredients.

Teams are allowed to provide their own seasonings, spices marinades and garnish to finish product that are designed for a modern retail outlet.

Three independent judges, one from each country, will judge and score the team based on butchery skill, workmanship, product innovation, overall finish, presentation and/or display.

Tom, 35, said he was looking forward to representing the UK. He said he was brought up in the industry and has had a passion for meat since being 'knee high'.

He said: "I have worked in the trade since leaving school and have consistently aimed to become better.

"I never settle for second best and strive to learn each day. I'm excited, apprehensive and proud to have been chosen for the competition.

"It means a great deal to me to be able to not only represent Britain but to encourage people to support British farms and buy British beef."

Tom has been at Huntley's for over two years and in this time he has worked to achieve the Gold Standard for the butchery awarded by the national body, Eblex (English beef and sheep industry).

He then competed with 28 other high class butchers to secure his place in the British team.

Operations Manager at Huntley's, Katherine Smith said: "Huntley's is a wonderful place brimming with talent.

"In the farm shop you will find Tom in the Butchery serving up a range of locally sourced meats in various cuts to inspire customers to create tasty dishes.

"We are all extremely proud of Tom and are confident Team GB will win the competition."

A spokesman for Eblex said: "The Tri-Nations Butchery Competition, which was held in the UK in 2014, showcases the calibre of British butchery internationally, bringing together the best in the field as they battle it out for the top prize.

"The experience and the results of the competition provide valuable feedback to the competitors and wider industry."