An ELLESMERE-BASED butcher is celebrating after he won a prestigious award in London.

Harry Pritchard, was an ex-Butchery Apprentice, but has now progressed to become a skilled butcher at ABP UK in Ellesmere.

This week, he won The Institute of Meat (IoM) and Worshipful Company of Butchers (WCB) Best Meat Processing Apprentice of the Year 2019.

Pete Horton, who is apprentice mentor at the company, said Harry's dedication to the programme was to be admired and he was delighted that he was given the award.

He added: "Harry’s skill and positive attitude has made him a real asset to the team, and having recently completed his level 2 Butchery Standard Qualification, he goes onto the next stage of his progression with the level 3 Advanced Butcher Apprenticeship.

“This nomination and win for Harry is a fantastic reward for all of his hard work, and one that we are all very proud of him."

The event, which took place at Painters’ Hall in London,was attended by more than 100 members of the meat industry.

In the award nomination for Harry, Mr Horton told the judges that his skill and attitude was the reason why ABP UH chose him to represent them many times in a ambassadorial role in education and at events showcasing the apprenticeships on offer there.