`Alex is a real credit to the business. He`s a Newcastle United fanatic and the black and white sausage recipe is all his own idea. It has become one of our best sellers - the sausages always sell out quickly when he makes them. We even suspect some of our customers are hoarding them like magpies!` said owner George Payne.   The black and white banger won a special innovation award for George Payne Butchers, which was crowned `Best Independent Butcher Sausage: North: Innovative` in the high profile competition.   

Alex travelled down to the Plaisterers` Hall in London to receive his award from UK Sausage Week ambassador and TV personality, Eric Knowles, from the Antiques Roadshow.   The ceremony took place on Monday, October 30, the launch day for UK Sausage Week, which runs through to Bonfire Night, November 5. It is this year being fronted by Meat Management magazine.    

Alex`s black and white sausage will be available at the shop throughout the week-long celebration of the great British banger, along with other favourites from the George Payne sausage stable.   George Payne remains one of Tyneside`s longest established and best-known traditional independent family butchers. 

His shop, a long-time member of the national Butchers Q Guild, is this year celebrating its landmark 30th anniversary.