COULD Shropshire be putting the heat on Cornwall and its famous pasty with its own fidget pie?

The answer is a resounding “yes” if a competition showcasing the traditional pie – which contains bacon, cider, apples, onions and potatoes in a pastry case – is anything to go by.

Chefs from south Shropshire faced stiff competition to win the title of Ludlow’s best fidget pie matched with locally brewed ale or cider.

After much debate, the pie made by Jackie Limb, of Moors Meals, a keen chef and regular stallholder on Ludlow Farmers’ Market, was chosen as the winner.

“We need to rediscover our own food heritage,” said Tish Dockerty, farmers’ market manager.

“The Cornish have their pasty and we have our own pie and it’s unknown to many people in Shropshire.”

Jackie beat off competition from the Ludlow Pie Company, Ludlow Food Centre and from Jane Lloyd of Ludlow’s Courtyard Restaurant.

Jackie’s pie was praised by judges, including Will Holland, Michelin-starred chef of La Bécasse, Kate Norman from Local to Ludlow, Ludlow cookery author Lesley Mackley, and TasteShropshire.com editor Bruce McMichael.

“Jackie’s pie was a lovely balance of sweetness from the apple, crispiness of the pastry and savoury notes from the gammon and cider,” said Mr McMichael.

All ingredients and accompanying drink were sourced from within 30 miles of Ludlow.

Jackie chose a cider from Dunkertons to accompany her dish.

Farmers’ markets across the county are now competing to produce the best Shropshire fidget pie, accompanied by a local real ale.

The competition culminates at the Ludlow Food Festival in September, when the overall winner will be judged.