HARD-WORKING Katie Potter, of Tim Potter butchers in Fore Street, Wellington, has made it to the national final of a prestigious competition.

Now the shop is asking townsfolk to vote for her in the Rising Star category of the Women in the Meat Industry Awards 2020.

Katie, who will be up against female butchers aged under 32 from all over the UK, has been commended for her efforts towards the Potters Pounds Appeal.

That helped people in need in the Wellington area obtain food during the coronavirus lockdown and attracted support from Wellington Town Council, local businesses and churches, and the Community Council for Somerset.

More than 300 boxes of locally sourced meat and vegetables were delivered to families after lockdown was imposed, Katie co-ordinating the sourcing of produce and preparing the boxes weekly.

Katie said: “I am thrilled to have made it to the final of such a prestigious competition. I am extremely grateful to all of those who have voted for me so far and it would mean the world to me to win.

“The whole team at Tim Potter Butchers have been brilliant during lockdown, always going the extra mile to make sure customers were looked after and those facing food poverty helped by the Potters Pounds scheme.

“That is now set to continue throughout the school holidays with the support of our local schools and the Wellington Village Agents to combat ‘holiday hunger’.

“It is amazing to be able to make a difference to the community, through doing the work I love.”

Katie, who will often work on her days off, helped launch Katie’s Pantry in the butcher’s shop, selling pies, hot rolls and deli items.

To vote for Katie in the Rising Star category of the Women In The Meat Industry Awards 2020 visit www.womeninmeatawards.com/vote/ Deadline for voting is August 28.