AWARD-winning butchers Checketts of Ombersley has recently undergone an audit to the new standards now applying to membership of the prestigious Guild of Q Butchers.

The standards cover quality in every aspect of the business - from meat to meat products, shop appearance and product display, staff knowledge, general hygiene and customer service. Information is required on the sourcing of meat in order to demonstrate support for British produce and beef roasts and steaks required to be properly matured to provide the best possible eating experience.

Both quality and hygiene are audited and graded A-D by the independent organisation EFSIS (European Food Safety Inspection Service) to the most rigorous standards in the meat industry.

Like other Q members, Checketts of Ombersley voluntarily submit the business to regular inspection to be in the Guild and its shop on the Main Road gained top "A" grades for both quality and hygiene in the latest audit.

Owner, Phil Checketts said: "With Butcher Shop Licensing now no longer a statutory requirement, the Guild wanted to demonstrate that its standards are way above the norm in the retail meat trade and the new standards, while taking into account general hygiene, very much major on the quality of the business.

"We are delighted with our result and I would like to pay tribute to our staff for their sustained efforts in maintaining the business to the high standards required for Q membership."

Guild Chairman Philip Cranston from Penrith said: "Q members can rightly claim to be among the best butchers in Britain. They are unique in the independent retail meat sector and have an audit system in place to prove it.

"Checketts of Ombersley are a fine example of how it should be done."