Local butchers from around the region will compete for the honour of Sausage King in the hope of making the State finals in October.

Last year, Calala butcher Peter McWilliams of McWilliams Meats competed and won the New England region division, a title he hopes to secure again this year.

“Last year we won the New England region for the traditional Australian and for the chicken,” Mr McWilliams said.

“It would be great to back up the title but it will be very difficult. This year they are also including the Far North Coast.”

The competition is great for local butchers because it provides extra publicity and that was exactly what happened for McWilliams Meats.

“We really needed it last year as the business was just one year old,” Mr McWilliams said.

“It gave us credibility we didn’t have.”

The competition includes sausages that range from traditional pork to Aussie beef along with more exotic alternatives such as chicken, chives and honey and Italian beef.

Judges will consist of trade experts and consumers who will test both the uncooked and cooked appearance of the sausages.

They will also test them for flavour and texture.

The categories include traditional Australian, pork, gourmet/open class, continental and poultry.

The State winners of the five categories will proceed to the National Sausage King finals in Adelaide where they will compete against winners from each State in Australia.