A young butcher from near Whitchurch is amongst a talented team representing Wales in an international competition held in the United States.

Ben Roberts from M.E. Evans Butchers in Overton-on-Dee will be travelling to America along with a team representing Wales to compete in the World Butchers’ Challenge from September 2 to September 3.

The Craft Butchery Wales team will be flying out to Sacramento, California, on August 30 to make their debut in the competition.

The World Butchers Challenge will be contested by 13 countries, with Ireland returning to defend their title as the current winners.

Team Co-ordinator Chris Jones said: “The team has improved so much in the last six weeks in terms of being organised, methodical and fast.

MORE NEWS:

“They have trained every Sunday for the past six weeks and their hard work has paid off. They have really stepped it up and are excited and ready to go.

“I cannot praise the butchers enough for their commitment and dedication. The team spirit is great and we are one of the few countries in the competition that has had the same members since the cycle began.

“We are also very lucky to have fantastic support from our sponsors and others associated with the team.”

Formed in 2020 and managed by retired butcher and experienced competition judge Steve Vaughan from Penyffordd, near Wrexham, the Craft Butchery Team Wales is a division of the Culinary Association of Wales.

The team carried out its last training session on Sunday, August 21, with Mr Jones putting on his judging hat to oversee their work in preparation for how they will be judged in Sacramento.

The competition is conducted over three hours and 15 minutes, with competing teams given a side of beef, a side of pork, a whole lamb and five chickens which they must then transform into a themed display of value-added products.

Teams are allowed to provide their own seasonings, spices, marinades and garnish to finish products that are designed to inspire and push the boundaries, yet which are also cookable and would sell.

Independent judges score each team based on technique and skill, workmanship, product innovation, overall finish and presentation.