But connoisseurs from far and wide descended on Calderdale for the 16th Annual Charity Master Pork Pie Maker Competition, to give it their best shot.

Hundreds piled in to the Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden, for the judging and with 47 entrants, the competition was as stiff as the pies crumbly.

Aside from the agony of decision, there were pie-making demonstrations, music from Friendly Brass Band and an appearance from Pork Pie Man, the savoury superhero who famously declined a cake at his wedding, opting for a three-tiered pie instead.

The event has grown hugely since being dreamed up by the Calderdale-based Pork Pie Appreciation Society, with entrants from across the country jostling for the prestigious trophy.

Peter Charnley, society secretary, said: "We had humble beginnings but each year it gets more and more popular and each year the competition gets stiffer."

As young and old sampled the savoury treats, opinions were as divided as the dazzling array of pies on show.

Bruce Andrews, 39, a senior judge said: "It has to be fresh, crisp and with the right amount of seasoning. None of your soggy service station pies here."

Senior craftsman and ex-judge Alec Fozard, 100, said: "Pies are getting better every year and it is the quality of the meat that makes them."

While Lucy Parker, a nine-year-old pupil at Holy Trinity Junior School, Halifax, said: "I like them best with peas."

A decision, however had to be made and after a gruelling day, judges ruled the pies from Allums Butchers of Wakefield, the winners, with Hinchcliffes of Netherton, Huddersfield and Brosters Farm Shop of Lindley, Huddersfield, also bringing home the bacon in second and third place.

The event raised more than £2,000 for Calderdale Bird Conservation Group and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Results
Allums Butchers, Wakefield; 2, Hinchliffes' farm shop, Netherton, Huddersfield; 3, Broster's farm shop, Lindley, Huddersfield; 4, Michael Thewliss, Golcar, Huddersfield.

Other finalists were: Parfitts Bakers, Huddersfield; Bentleys of Pudsey; E & R Grange, Slaithwaite; John Lord and Son, Bradford; Ellisons' Butchers, Cullingworth; John and Andrew Green (Wilsons) Leeds.