Pie campaigners face legal battle

Campaigners want the pie brand name to be protected

Attempts to win special status for Melton Mowbray's pork pies could be thwarted in the High Court.

Ministers at Defra had approved plans to only allow pies made within 25 miles of the town to use the brand name.

But Northern Foods is seeking a judicial review of the government's decision, claiming other British food products may follow a similar path.

Campaigners want the pies to have the same protection as French champagne or Parma ham.

'Consumer protection'

Whitstable oysters and Newcastle Brown Ale have already won protected regional status.

Last year, campaigners submitted a 10,000-signature petition to the government supported by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, calling for the pork pie brand name to be protected.

Steven Hallam from pork pie maker Dickinson and Morris in Melton said: "This whole process of protecting regional foods really hasn't taken off in this country.

"If you go into France or Italy you have many many hundreds of products that have been registered and protected.

"That protects the regional industries and above all protects the consumer."