A BUTCHER will bid for a prestigious qualification after being recommended by the meat industry professional body.

Geoff Riley, of Riley’s Butchers in Crawshawbooth, Rossendale, has applied for the Institute of Meat Accredited Master Butcher qualification, which only 17 other butchers in the UK have achieved.

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The institute put Geoff forward after learning about his lifetime of working on this parents’ farm and the experience he’s gained from running a butcher’s shop since he was 19.

He said: “I’m incredibly proud to be recommended for this award. Riley’s has always worked to the highest standard – it’s what we have built our reputation on.

“Gaining the Master Butcher qualification would be a career-defining moment as the title is so rare and prestigious.”

Only two other people in the North West have received the award previously and Geoff will have to demonstrate his proficiency in butchery, business, food hygiene and safety if he’s to become the third.

Riley’s has won a host of accolades.

These include the top butcher’s shop in the North of England and a Rossendale Small Business of the Year gong.