A PIEMAKER is ‘filling’ fine after coming runner up in a national pie competition.

David Wardleworth, chef at the Traders Arms, Mellor, was one of five finalists in the Jus-Rol British Pie Week competition.

But his Horn To Heel Pie fell at the final hurdle.

Mr Wardleworth said: “When I was told I had got the final I was excited.

“To fall at the final hurdle was a bit annoying, but second out of all the pubs nationwide isn’t bad!”

Mr Wardleworth, 38, has been a chef all his working life, and the Traders Arms prides itself on its range of pies.

The pie, modelled on an old Lancashire favourite, is a chuck steak pie that uses a mix of locally-sourced beef and vegetables topped with pastry and a filo horn, to give the pie its unusual twist.

Mr Wardleworth, who has worked at the Traders Arms for five years, said: “We have a lot of pies on the menu as our customers like good homemade food.

“I enjoy making them but it was a joint effort as there are three others working in the kitchen.”

British Pie Week runs from March 5 to 11, and the Traders Arms will celebrate by selling its pies, which all come with vegetables and a choice of potatoes, for £5.