Shannon's banger sizzles to success

What do you get when you mix pork, herbs, cheese, egg and breadcrumbs?

A beautiful banger - and schoolgirl Shannon O'Grady looked on with pride as her award-winning recipe for The Shropshire Sausage became reality yesterday. The 11-year-old pupil came up with the winning recipe for the luscious links in a contest organised by Heart of England Fine Foods (HEFF).

Shannon's creation was chosen by a judging panel as the best in Shropshire ahead of hundreds of other entries.

And she was on hand at nearby Wenlock Edge Farm yesterday to see butchers make the first of her sizzling sensations before the tasty treats go forward to a final cook-off this week.

Shannon's mother Maria said her daughter could not contain her excitement as she saw her creation come together.

She said: "It was fantastic to see the sausages made. From the mincing and blending of the ingredients through to where they were made into sausages, she was involved in almost every part of the production process except for the packaging. She was so excited.

"We are now hoping we can go a stage further and win the final," added Mrs O'Grady.

She said that Shannon, a pupil at Brockton Primary School, near Much Wenlock, would be cooking the winning bangers for a family meal at her home in Bourton, near Much Wenlock.

She will also be taking some to her grandparents in Lincolnshire at the weekend.

"Everyone is so proud of her," said Mrs O'Grady.

"Besides the sausages, Shannon is always trying out different recipes.

"She is a keen cook and regularly helps out with family meals."

If it is successful in the regional final staged in Birmingham, her recipe could go into production. and be stocked in specialist shops around the West Midlands.

Shannon's culinary creation will be up against winning entries from Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Staffordshire, Birmingham and the Black Country at the final.

The event takes place on Thursday.

It is part of the annual Farmhouse Breakfast Week and the winner will be adjudicated by a panel of celebrity judges.

By Brett Gibbons