Congratulations to Paddy and Sue Ryan of A Ryan & Sons Butchers, in Much Wenlock, for winning Best Local Food Retailer in BBC Food & Farming Awards 2009.

The Ryans were presented with the prestigious award at a star-studded event attended by HRH Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Other famous names in the  impressive line-up of food lovers included chef Raymond Blanc, Blur bassist and foodie Alex James and food presenter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Judges praised Paddy Ryan’s ‘properly-hung meat’ and Sue’s ‘mouthwatering pies.’

They also referred to the long queues of customers that regularly snake out on to Much Wenlock High Street.

Paddy put his success down to buying locally, saying that he could control the quality of meat and build a rapport with farmers.

He also thanked his wife, Sue, saying: “the queues are for Sue’s pies and good looks, nothing to do with me.”