A top chef who is retiring from the hospitality industry after 35 years is going out on a high with a competition to find Norfolk's best sausage roll.

Charlie Hodson is closing his Aylsham fine dining restaurant Hodson & Co on December 29 and sausage rolls have been a big part of his story. 

His creation, called 'The Nelson', was named the best in the nation at the Great Sausage Roll Off 2017.

He is now launching The Norfolk Sausage Roll Out and the final will take place at Caistor Hall in Caistor St Edmund, on the outskirts of Norwich, on Monday, November 20 from 10am to 1pm, with a panel of expert judges.

Eastern Daily Press: Charlie Hodson's award-winning Nelson sausage rollCharlie Hodson's award-winning Nelson sausage roll (Image: Archant)

It is open to both amateur and professional bakers as Mr Hodson wants to ensure it is "inclusive not exclusive". 

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Launching on October 23, entrants should send their sausage roll recipe, full name, social media handle and age, as it is open to over 18s only, to events@hodsonco.co.uk with #Rollout23 in the subject box.

This will be whittled down to five finalists who will need to bring their sausage rolls already made to Caistor Hall on November 20.

They will then be asked to talk for a minute each about their creation and its provenance. 

Eastern Daily Press: Chef Mark Poynton, who runs the restaurant at Caistor Hall, is one of the judges - pictured with his son Cillian Picture: Jean-Luc BenezeChef Mark Poynton, who runs the restaurant at Caistor Hall, is one of the judges - pictured with his son Cillian Picture: Jean-Luc Beneze (Image: Jean-Luc Benezet)

Mr Hodson said: "It is part of my last hurrah before I come out of commercial kitchens as sausage rolls have done amazing things for me.

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"A lot of sausage roll competitions are centered around pork but this is open to all meats and also vegetarian and vegan recipes.

Eastern Daily Press: The event will raise awareness for Hospitality Action The event will raise awareness for Hospitality Action (Image: Hospitality Action)

"Thanks to the team at Caistor Hall for all their support with this event." 

The prizes include a hand-thrown commemorative plate by potter Jane Bond.

The event will raise awareness for the charity Hospitality Action, which Mr Hodson is a proud ambassador for.