SAMANTHA Vowles is the envy of sausage lovers across the county after winning a banger a day for a year in a competition to mark Somerset Day.

And you'll have the chance to savour her pork, cheddar and Thatcher's cider recipe during the annual celebration of everything great about our county.

Samantha fought off a number of other succulent entries in the Absolute Bangers competition to be voted the official Somerset Day sausage.

It is now being made by Pyne's of Somerset and will be available at the butcher's premises in North Petherton, as well at the eat:Taunton festival, Taunton School, Mr Miles Tea room, South West Larder, Admirals Landing and The Bank.

"I am absolutely chuffed to have won this competition for coming up with the official Somerset Day sausage," said Samantha.

"I saw it on Faecbook and my mind immediately went to some of the fabulous food and drink produced in Somerset - cheddar cheese and Thatcher's cider.

"And combined in a Pyne's pork sausage? Heaven! The only way you could make it more Somerset is to stuff the Wurzels in there as well."

Malcolm Pyne, who has been busy bringing her creation to life, said: "As Somerset’s award winning butchers, we are thrilled to be part of Absolute Bangers and to be making and selling the pork, cheddar and Thatchers cider Somerset Day sausage."

Nigel Muers-Raby, Somerset Day founder, said: "The response to the competition shows just how passionate people are about this wonderful county.

"Somerset Day on Saturday, May 11, looks to be a great celebration of Somerset as a place to live, work play and learn.

"There are events taking place across the county and I encourage everyone to join in the fun."