The Melton Mowbray pork pie will now be protected by European law.

The decision by the European Commission to grant Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status means only pork pies made in the traditional manner and in and around Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire will be allowed to use the town's name.

It comes after a 10-year-campaign lead by local county councillor Matthew O'Callaghan.

O'Callaghan, chairman of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, said: "Friday was the final deadline for the other countries to object to Melton Mowbray getting protected status.

"We heard today that no objections had been lodged. It has been a long campaign and it has inspired others. You now have Cumberland Sausage and Jersey Butter following what we did."

O'Callaghan, who is vegetarian, said the campaign had increased the profile of the pies and seen sales rise.

"The Melton Mowbray market is worth £50million a year. That is a lot of pies," he said.

"There are three things that make them distinctive, firstly the meat is grey because we use fresh pork. Secondly they are bow-shaped rather than straight sided and this goes back to when they were made at home by farmhands rather than professional bakers.

"Bakers use hoops that make pies circular and straight sided. And thirdly of course they are made in the Melton Mowbray area."

The decision will now be published by the European Commission in its official journal and will then become law.

A spokeswoman for DEFRA said: "We can confirm the Melton Mowbray pie has been awarded its Protected Geographical Indicator."

MP for Rutland & Melton Alan Duncan said: "This is great news. Like Champagne, we are the real quality product.

"It's great that we are now protected against inferior alternatives.

"We are the home of England's best food, and recognition of this is very welcome."

Other foodstuffs that benefit from PGI status include Newcastle Brown Ale and Scotch Beef.

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