A HAMPSHIRE butcher says he has reached the pinnacle of his career after earning a place in the competition of a lifetime.

Chris Glaysher, who has more than three decades’ experience in the trade, will jet off to the other side of the world to take part in the Tri-Nations Butchery Challenge in New Zealand.

Mr Glaysher, who runs Old Basing-based Glaysher Family Butchers with his son, credited his mentor Ron Makey for giving him the confidence to enter the competition.

Now he is one of only six butchers chosen to represent the UK in the butchery battle against New Zealand and Australia.

Hopefuls from Britain took part in the show of speed, skill and creativity, and Mr Glaysher was chosen along with butchers from Aberdeen, Preston and Leeds. He said: “I phoned Ron to tell him I’d probably reached the pinnacle of my career. I was surprised to be picked on the team and when the phone call came I was very flattered that they considered my skills good enough.”

Mr Glaysher is practicing for the competition by travelling up to Leeds twice monthly and joining up with his British teammates.

Details of their preparation are a closely-guarded secret but the butchers will prepare cuts of meat and garnishes.

The competition will take place September 5 to 10.