The Melton and Belvoir Agricultural Society's Christmas Show and Sale featured some of the finest food and animals from across the region.

President Bob Brownlow said: "I think with the uncertainties in the livestock industry over the last six months the standard is remarkable."
Mayor Pam Posnett was on hand to present prizes to the winners.

She said: "This is Melton. People associate the town with the cattle market. As farmers have had such a bleak time this year, it is a credit to them that they have put together such a fantastic show."

The winner of the prestigious champion beast was Josh Bunstance from Spalding.

He said: "It's great to win. It feels good because there haven't been any shows this year."

His beast weighed 481kgs and sold for £3.70 per kilo to Lincolnshire Meat Company for a total of £1777.30.

The reserve, also won by Mr Bunstance, fetched £2203.16 at £4.25 per kilo weighing 519kgs sold to J Parkinson.

Meanwhile John Smith of Fox Covet Farm, Wymondham, swept the board with his sheep winning champion, reserve champion and best pen of five commercial lambs.

He said: "We had entered some shows in the summer and they were all cancelled because of foot and mouth, so it's nice to have one and win, particularly as this is our local market."

His champion lambs sold for £185 per head to David Holmes, while the reserve went for £120 to Forge Farms.

Winner of both champion and reserve champion pigs, which sold for £2.22 per kilo and £2 per kilo, was Stephen Branson from Gaddesby.
Meanwhile producers also celebrated some of the finest food made in the area.

There were several pork pie categories with Brockleby's Farm Shop picking up both best hand raised and three commercial pies.

Paul Hartland, winner of the best hoop raised group Mrs E King's Pies, said: "It's always good for the trade especially coming up to Christmas. We sell a lot in London and now we can go down with a cup and a rosette from the home of the pork pie."

And it was not just food and animals celebrating the festival with a floral art competition, class one won by June Allsop form Hoby.
Chairman Richard Skelton said: "It has been a tremendous success. It's a great opportunity for animal farmers and producers of food who appreciate quality to show their wares."