A NORTHUMBERLAND butchers’ shop is finding that US-themed sandwiches with a local twist are proving popular with customers.

R Turnbull & Sons Butchers in Market Street, Alnwick, report that its new sandwiches based on BBQ pulled pork and the hot dog are being snapped up by eager customers.

Shop owner Mark Turnbull first came across “pulled’ pork” sandwiches – which are popular in the United States - while holidaying in Florida, and decided to introduce them in the shop.

He explained: “The pork is cooked using a low-heat, long-cook process, through which the meat becomes so tender that it can be pulled apart.

“We also decided to give the traditional hot dog a British-style makeover after developing a pork and beef sausage using local meats and adding a unique blend of spices. It’s been developed by our in-house butchers and is known as the chilli dog.” Turnbulls teamed up with the Farm Bakery in Rennington to develop new buns and baps for the sandwiches.

Mark Turnbull was recently elected as North East regional chairman and national vice-chairman of the Butchers Q Guild, the UK’s top independent butchers’ organisation, which promotes traditional craft skills and award-winning meat products. Its members serve £3m of meat and related products to over a quarter of a million consumers every week.