The best steak in Britain is from Lincolnshire – it is now official.

Sales of the rare breed Longhorn steak have increased fourfold after it was awarded the title of The Best Steak in Britain.

Meridian Meats in Louth has received orders from all over the country after their Longhorn steak claimed the title in a competition ran by Country Life magazine.

The steak, which was taken from a 20 month old cow raised on Meridian Meats' farm in Tuxford near Horncastle, was hung for two and a half weeks before being judged against steaks such as the Beef Shorthorn from Bedfordshire, the Hereford from Herefordshire and the famous Aberdeen Angus.

After it was approached by Country Life to supply its Longhorn steak the first it heard of its success was when they picked up a published copy of the magazine last week.

"It was shocking to hear that we had won," says Meridian Meats' butcher Jim Sutcliffe.

"We know we sell good stuff but we were so proud to have won. I think it reflects well on the county too.

"The award was not just due to the native breed. Our Longhorns are grazed on ancient Lincolnshire pastures which has added to the flavour and helped make it what it is.

"I think Lincolnshire produce is some of the best in the country if not the world and hopefully this award will help towards putting Lincolnshire on the map."

For more on the steak, including the judges' comments, see Tuesday's Echo.