A FORMER Sir William Romney's School pupil has been nominated for a prestigious award.

Local butcher Jack Wallace's Artisan Jack business - which operates from a customised unit on Trull Farm near Tetbury - has been shortlisted for a Countryside Alliance Award in the Southwest Butcher category.

These awards celebrate British food, farming, enterprise and heritage of small businesses in the area.

Jack is a traditionally trained butcher and curer who first launched Artisan Jack in 2019.

As a nose-to-tail butcher, everything is prepared and cut-to-order by Jack and his team.

Animal welfare and supporting local trade are very important to the Jack, which is why his produce is homemade or locally sourced, 100 per cent free range and only comes from high-welfare farms and abattoirs. 

Artisan Jack also only uses 100 per cent recyclable, biodegradable or compostable packaging.

His customers receive doorstep deliveries every Friday. 

Jack is always on hand to provide advice on delicious recipes at his regular stall at both the Cirencester and Nailsworth Farmers’ Markets.

He said: “This news came out of the blue for me, and I’m incredibly proud to have been nominated for this award by my customers. 

"It’s been a hard slog to get here, but I’m still as passionate as ever about supplying my customers with a great selection of high-quality meat products.

"I’d like to thank all of them for their support, from the local pubs I supply, my weekly newsletter customers and all those who find me at the local farmers’ markets. 

"It means such a lot to a small business like mine, thank you."

Countryside Alliance Awards director Sarah Lee said: “These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside. 

"Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.” 

To vote for Jack or for any of the other local finalists, visit tinyurl.com/yc5bw3b7

The winners of each region will be up against fellow winners from around the UK and the national champion will be announced at the House of Lords in June.