The awards, now in their fifth year, invite entries from all professional butchers and bakers to take part in these industry awards and comprise of 20 individual classes of pie – with pie makers competing to be crowned the ultimate ‘Champion of Champions’.

More than 900 pies were entered last year from over 140 producers and judged by a panel of 90 experts.

The 2013 awards take place in Melton Mowbray at the end of April. This year judging takes place on Wedneday 24th April, and successful pie makers from each class will be invited to an all new Awards Pie Lunch on Thursday 25th April.

In addition to the new Awards Pie Lunch for 2013, new classes have been added to the line up including new chicken categories and a brand new ‘free from’ speciality pie class has also been launched – open to all sweet or savoury, gluten or wheat free pies.

Matthew O’Callaghan, chairman of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, commented: “We were absolutely delighted with the reponse from British pie makers in 2012. Looking to the future, the new classes for 2013 make sure that we are keeping abreast of industry developments and trends, and I’m sure we will see many entries in this area.

“The addition of the new Awards Lunch, following the busy day of judging will really allow us to focus upon and celebrate the success of our class winners, and appreciate their achievements. I for one can not wait to see what The 2013 British Pie Awards has in store."