A popular farm has once again been entered into a national award for its delicious pies - and is hoping to scoop gold this year.

Laceys Farm Shop in Lane End previously picked up a silver in the British Pie Awards two years running and is hoping this year might be the year they can go "one better".

But even picking up a silver is something to be proud of - as hundreds of pies are entered into the awards every year.

This year, there's a record 976 pies from 179 pie makers in the competition, which will be judged today (March 9) before the winners are revealed on Friday (March 11).

Laceys have entered their winning steak and ale pie and their chicken and leek pie into the competition.

The family farm - which opened its farm shop in 2016 - was awarded silver in the steak and ale class in the 2020 British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray, which saw the most entries of any class that day.

Will Lacey, who is the seventh generation of the same family to run the farm, along with his brother Ed, said they are hoping to "continue our winning streak for 2022".

He said: "Here at Laceys Farm Shop we pride ourselves on making delicious pies using our own recipes, by either using meat from our farm in Lane End, or locally sourced from other local farmers. In previous years we have been awarded silver award and this year we are hoping to go one better."

The production kitchen at Laceys works closely with the butchery team in the popular farm shop to make more than 400 pies every week - which they sell hot and cold every day from their deli counter.

Their frozen pies have also proven "extremely popular" - particularly during the various Covid lockdowns when leaving the house was restricted.

The well-loved local farm has a history of winning top awards. They managed to beat the likes of Arla, Muller and Wensleydale Creameries to win the prestigious title of best tasting dairy product in the UK 2018 for their single cream at The Dairy Industry Trade Awards.

See www.laceysfamilyfarm.co.uk for more.