THE hunt is on for the British Turkey Butcher of the Year and customers are being asked to help choose the winner.

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner, in London, and the customer who nominates the winning butcher will be invited to attend the evening as a VIP guest.

"Judges will be looking for butchers displaying British turkey to its best advantage with a good range of different cuts, such as turkey breasts, cubes, steaks and joints, or perhaps their own recipe for turkey sausages, pies and barbecue marinades," said a spokesman.

"They will also be looking for butchers who take the time to talk to their customers, perhaps explaining the significance of the Quality British Turkey mark, which gives assurance of the highest standards of food safety and bird welfare."

The closing date for nominations is Friday, July 25.

Nominations and contact details should be sent to: British Turkey Butcher of the Year, 8 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9TY, or phone 01273 834716 or complete the entry form on www.britishturkey. co.uk