A BUTCHER at Newlyns Farm Shop in North Warnborough has become one of fewer than 60 butchers throughout the UK to be awarded Institute of Meat (IoM) accredited Master Butcher status.

Jason Moore was awarded the accreditation at the IoM’s annual prize-giving event, held at Butchers Hall, London.

The event, organised by the IoM and The Worshipful Company of Butchers, has been running for almost 30 years. Celebrating individual achievement in the meat and poultry industry, this year’s event also thanked members for working throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to serve local communities and the wider British public.

Jason, who has been working as a butcher for 30 years, was presented with his award by The Princess Royal, Past Master of The Worshipful Company and Fellow of the Institute of Meat.

Presiding over the event was Keith Fisher, chief executive of the IoM and himself a fourth generation Master Butcher. He said: “Being granted Institute of Meat accredited Master Butcher status is one of the highest accolades a butcher can achieve. In almost three decades of the prize-giving we have accepted less than 60 applications for the Master Butcher award.

“The process of assessing an application is rigorous and in fact we only consider applications from the most experienced and skilful butchers.”