A PORK pie appreciation society has released a list of the top pie makers in the county.

The Lancashire Pork Pie Appreciation Society’s (LPPAS) list of the 24 best pork pies in Lancashire was unveiled this week and saw 10 pie makers from East Lancashire recognised for their skills.

The list features independently-run pie shops from Blackburn Burnley, including DT Law Butchers in Haslingden, who were awarded the supreme champion award by the society in their charity awards in February.

Society organiser Carl Abbott said pork pie making was ‘particularly strong’ in East Lancashire.

He said: “We visit and feature pie shops from all around the country but East Lancashire seem to score highly.

“It seems like the pie makers in East Lancashire are particularly strong when it come to pork pies for some reason.

“One explanation could be the high concentration of independent business in the area, or it could just be a local talent.”

There are strict conditions that must be met for a pie to be considered by the LPPAS.

Mr Abbott said: “For a pork pie to be worth its name it must consist of cured pork. On no account will insipid pies, using uncured pork, be considered.

“Secondly, the pies have to be pies. There is a disturbing trend towards the appearance of the ‘artisan’ pie."

“In the pie world, artisan is merely code for expensive, pies must be affordable in order to be acknowledged by the LPPAS.

“Lastly, for a pie to qualify it must be made in Lancashire.

“The pies are then rated on three qualities, the pastry, the pork and the jelly. “

Beechs in Barrowford, Market Dales in Blackburn, Heys in Burnley, Hodders Butchers in Clayton-le-Moors, Ingham and Son in Colne, Pitts in Earby, DT Law in Haslingden, M Harrison's Rawtenstall, Nicholson’s Butchers in Nelson and Walmsleys in Ramsbottom all met the strict criteria and earned their place in the LAPPAS pork pie directory.

Visit lancashireporkpieappreciationsociety.com for the full list.