Shropshire’s finest culinary skills were on show at a grand sausage taste test in the county. Top chefs and food experts gathered in Ketley, Telford, last night as bangers from the county’s finest producers go head to head.

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The sizzle-off was organised by Heart of England Fine Foods to draw attention to quality Shropshire produce – and give a boost to the troubled farming industry.

Judges were wowed by the entries, which were cooked and served – on cocktail sticks rather than with mash – at Aga’s factory shop.

Taking part were the food editor of Aga Magazine, Bruce McMichael from Taste Shropshire and sausage fanatic John Boydell from Ironbridge Lions.

Also judging was Richard Fletcher, chef and owner of the Pheasant Inn at Admaston. “I have 25 years experience as a chef so I have cooked and tasted a fair few sausages,” he said.

Mr Fletcher said it was all done scientifically, with the bangers given a rating out of 10 by each judge on taste, appearance, texture and flavour.

Ludlow Food Centre’s bangers emerged as the best to side alongside bacon and eggs.

Pork, bacon and leek sausages from Wenlock Edge Farm took the speciality title.

Mr Fletcher said he would consider taking either at his pub and is already a customer of the Wenlock farm.

Lynn Wood, who organised the event for Heart of England, said: “This has always proved to be a very effective way of getting small, local producers into the spotlight.”