Some of the best pies in the country have been put through their paces at the annual British Pie Awards.

The awards are designed to celebrate the British pie, promote regional specialities and support British produce as well as recognise the craft of bakers and butchers.

The British Pie Awards
A pork pie is inspected by a judge (Joe Giddens/PA)
Several varieties are in the running for top pie (Joe Giddens/PA)
Several varieties are in the running for top pie (Joe Giddens/PA)

The event – now in its 10th year – is held in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, and this year judges have sampled 963 entries from 180 producers.

A pie – as defined by the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association – is deemed “a filling wholly encased in pastry and baked”.

The British Pie Awards
Judges discuss the finer points of the pies (Joe Giddens/PA)
Crust and colour are part of the judging criteria (Joe Giddens/PA)
Crust and colour are part of the judging criteria (Joe Giddens/PA)

This year there are 21 different classes, ranging from pork to steak and ale to pub pies, free-from pies, dessert pies and pasties.

A champion is chosen from each class, and these go on to compete to become Supreme Champion.

There are 21 different classes of pies, covering both sweet and savoury (Joe Giddens/PA)
There are 21 different classes of pies, covering both sweet and savoury (Joe Giddens/PA)

Judges include butchers, farmers, business owners, cooks and journalists.

Judging takes place in St Marys Church, Melton Mowbray, and the winners will be announced at an awards lunch on Friday.