A BUTCHER from Bridgwater has won a top steak competition - for the third year in a row.

Eugene Gainard, from Regency Butchers in Westonzoyland, won the steak and burger competition at Agrifest in Exeter.

He entered a sirloin steak, cut from a Belted Galloway.

This is the third year in a row that Regency Butchers has won the competition.

"To win three times, well, I am over the moon," said Mr Gainard.

"I have only been in the business for seven years, and the judges said winning three times having not owned my own business for long, is an achievement in itself.

"I source meat from local farmers, and I know what meat is good and bad.

"I am never confident when I enter a competition, but everyone is always in with a chance of winning."

As well as the Agrifest South West competition, Mr Gainard will also be entering a sausage competition at the South West Winter Fair in Bridgwater next month.

"Entering the sausage competition is a challenge," Mr Gainard added.

"The sausages you enter have to be an exact weight and size - it is hard work, but I think it is worth it.

"I try to run the business as a traditional family butchers.

"I am happy with the way my business is going at the moment, I have got a good team out here.

"I think it is still important to have traditional butchers, as you get a different service that you don't get in a supermarket.

"We make a lot of homemade pies and sausage rolls, so next year I am planning on entering the Taste of the West Awards too."

Agrifest is organised by by the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA). It celebrates the most prestigious pedigree primestock cattle and lamb from across the region.

The festival, sponsored by Mole Avon Country Stores, culminated in the crowning of Agrifest 2021’s Supreme Champions.

Robert Venner, chairman of Agrifest, added: ‘We were delighted with how the show was run this year by the DCAA team.

"Everything went smoothly, there was a very high standard of stock, and a really good turnout of both exhibitors and visitors.

"We are hopeful that the success of the exhibition this year in the hands of the DCAA will secure Agrifest’s future for many more years to come."