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Meating with your approval

Eve Dugdale
27/ 6/2007

GLOSSOP'S favourite butcher is urging his customers to steak their bets with him.

John Mettrick is one of five Glossop businesses nominated for the UKTV Food Local Hero of the year award and is currently ranked number four in the Midlands chart.

The awards are a tribute to Britain's independent shops, farm stalls, artisan producers, cafes, pubs and small businesses and the winner receives £40,000.

Leading the hunt for this year's winner is celebrity chef Gary Rhodes.

Mr Mettrick, who was nominated for the national award last year, is urging his customers to get on their computers and vote for him - and others too.

"We were nominated by our customers for this award so now we need them to get online and vote for us before 30 June," said Mr Mettrick.

"At the moment we're number four in the Midlands top 10. We feel very humbled that our customers have nominated us. If you go on UKTV Food's website and see the customer comments it's such a boost for us.

"Someone described one of our counter staff as a national treasure! The motivation for the staff is great. We're really trying to put Glossop on the map."

If he manages to scoop the prize, Mr Mettrick says he will spend the money on developing his businesses and refurbishing the Hadfield shop.

Other Glossop businesses which have been nominated include De La Tierra Chocolates at Whitfield Cross, Peaches and Green greengrocer and fishmonger on Marple Road, Charlesworth, Peter Sowerbutts Ltd greengrocers on High Street West and David Bradley fishmongers, also on High Street West.

To vote for any of the businesses log on to http://uktv.co.uk/food/localfoodhero