PIE experts based in Eastwood have triumphed over more than 40 entries to take home a prestigious industry award.

The British Pie Awards is in its 16th year celebrating the nation's most delicious pies - and leading manufacturer FUUD, based in Eastwood, has taken home the prize for best in the Beef Pie category with its pure south beef and peppercorn sauce pie.

The business was launched in 2005, and expanded into pie-making as the company grew larger, selecting ingredients from south Essex farms and supplies to create its award-winning pies and gourmet meals.

This year's British Pie Awards comprised of 25 different classes or types of pies including traditional favourites as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free pies.

Matthew O’Callaghan, chairman of the Mowbray Pork Pie Association and host of the British Pie Awards, commented: “We got to try the phenomenal pie entries, and FUUD triumphed over incredibly tough competition for best in the beef pie category.

“These awards celebrate the skill and ingenuity of British pie makers across the UK, and I’d like to congratulate them as a worthy winner.”

A record 147 judges were on the panel, with extensive industry experience between them, including Mark Flanagan, who is the personal chef to King Charles III, and representatives from the prestigious cookery school Cordon Bleu.

Mr O'Callaghan added: “This year's awards have seen a wonderful celebration of the nation’s love of pies; the atmosphere has been amazing and the level of creativity is off the scale.”