The people of a Derbyshire town have been paying their respects to a butcher who won international prizes for his black puddings.

Master pork butcher Jerry Howarth died suddenly on 25 November, 2008, aged 74. He had suffered a heart attack.

The family's butchery business was started by Mr Howarth's grandfather in 1898, who also started making black puddings in the town.

But it was his grandson who brought the delicacy to international prominence.

He returned victorious from France in March 2000 with the equivalent of the World Cup for black puddings.

Mr Howarth landed the grand prix for his famous recipe in the Concours International du Meilleur Boudin.

Before that victory, he had secured four gold medals, three silvers and three honours in the competition, which is staged each year in Normandy.

His widow, Mavis, said Mr Howarth had won another gold in the last couple of years.

She said: "He was very proud of his achievements and although we had officially retired, we have still been working in the shop from time to time."

Mr Howarth retired after having a heart bypass operation in 2001 and enjoyed good health in the intervening years.

Mrs Howarth said: "He went to the gym twice a week and also played golf.

"I am just grateful that he collapsed and died at home and not elsewhere, which I couldn't have coped with.

"At least I could put my arms around him and comfort him as he passed away."

Mr and Mrs Howarth celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. The couple met when Mrs Howarth, who comes from Ripley, visited the Assembly Rooms, in Belper, to dance to the Bill Joyce Big Band, in 1955. vMrs Howarth said: "We were married in 1958, although he got me working in the shop not long after we first met, which I loved."

The couple have three sons – Nicholas, Martin and Timothy – and six grandchildren.

Mr Howarth also leaves two sisters, Hazel and Betty, and a brother, David.

Mr Howarth was a fan of Belper Town FC and frequently sponsored games. A minute of applause took place before the first match after his death to mark his passing.