Dales Traditional Butchers in Kirkby Lonsdale has won the coveted Golden Haggis Award at this year's Oban Winter Festival.

The event, held annually at the Oban Distillery, saw Sean Gibson, representing Dales, make the victorious five-hour journey to take the crown for the 'Best Haggis'.

For the first time in the history of the Golden Haggis Awards, a haggis producer outside Scotland bagged the accolade.

The competition is renowned for celebrating the finest haggis makers.

Dales Traditional Butchers' dedication to perfecting their haggis recipe shone through to the judges.

The judging panel included local restaurant owners William Rocks of Tigh an Truish in Seal, near Oban, and Colin Felgate of The Olive Garden in Oban.

The Westmorland Gazette: Sean Gibson, representing Dales, made the victorious five-hour journey to Oban to take the crown

Mark Duckworth, the owner of Dales Traditional Butchers, expressed his delight on winning the award.

He said: "I am absolutely ecstatic to be the recipient of the Golden Haggis Award.

"It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team at Dales, and we are honoured to bring this prestigious trophy back to Kirkby Lonsdale".

Dales, known for their culinary prowess, is no stranger to accolades and they've repeatedly been acknowledged for their expertise.

Its previous wins include the Champion of Champions Sausage Competition in May 2023, the Best Cold Savoury title at the 2022 World Scotch Pie Championships, and being named as Britain's Best Butchers Shop in 2021.

One of its employees, Ira Collier, even represented Team GB in the 2022 World Butchers Challenge.

Customers at Dales are celebrating the victory with playful banter, with one of them proposing that Mr Duckworth should consider entering the Oscars.

Meanwhile, Jeanette Lawrence made light of Sean Gibson's upcoming appearances at events, envisaging him in a haggis costume.