The owner of a Suffolk butchers' said he hopes his unique approach to sourcing and selling game meat will see him go all the way as the shop has reached the final of a prestigious competition. 

Lavenham Butchers has made it to the final three of the best game butcher category in the Eat Game Awards 2024, alongside Wild Meat Company and Izzy's Butchers. 

Owner Greg Strolenberg said of the awards: "We didn't even enter it ourselves, I don't think, we just got a letter through saying we've been shortlisted.

"So somebody has obviously recommended us and nominated us and thought that we were worthy of entering. 

"It is amazing isn't it, that that many people think highly of us enough to do that." 

Mr Strolenberg, who runs the shop with his wife Jenny, said he has been promoting eating game meat for some time now. 

"We've been trying to promote venison as a healthier option - it is a healthier meat without interference from man," he said. 

"But for me, it's not just about what you sell and how you promote the game, it is actually being involved in the whole system itself which is what makes us unique.

"There's not many people that go out and shoot the meat for the shop themselves, and I hope the judges recognise this.

"We are really proud, it would be really nice to go all the way and win it," he added.

Truly Traceable Pies, in Halesworth in the east of the county, has also been nominated for the best added value product or innovation. 

A panel of judges will make a final decision on the winners of each category ahead of an awards ceremony, which will take place on March 14.