A comedian has won a debate against a Greggs superfan to become Holland's Pies' new pastry taster.

The British pie brand had hundreds of applicants for the role, each required to share a clever line on why they were the perfect pastry lover.

Comedian Nina Gilligan from Lancashire succeeded in the process, which included a debate against 'Greggs superfan' Barry Dodds from the North East.

The pastry enthusiasts sampled Holland's new offerings, including sausage rolls, steak bakes, and bacon and cheese wraps, and compared them to Greggs' classics.

Ms Gilligan was chosen for the debate after describing her family's "pastry in their DNA," likening herself to a Holland's bake, "never caving under stress and not giving up under pressure".

She said: "The whole of Lancashire is connected to Holland’s and I’d bet someone out of every family has worked or is connected to them in some way.

"Chippy teas were a staple of everyone’s childhood, bringing home a Holland’s Pie to share, it is a meal to share and bond over".

After winning the debate and the role, Ms Gilligan said: "I’m so excited to become Holland’s Pies pastry taster.

"The debate was so much fun, especially telling a Greggs superfan why Holland’s was superior.

"My tastebuds are ready to be put to the test in pursuit of perfecting more pastries for Holland’s."

Leanne Holcroft, senior brand manager at Holland's Pies, said: "Our new range of pastries has gone down a storm with shoppers across Tesco, Iceland and FarmFoods.

"People are clearly enjoying the true taste of pastry from the heart of Lancashire in the North West and our mission to prove that Holland’s Pies can compete and even win out against some well-loved Greggs’ classics has been a stunning success."

"Congratulations to Nina on winning the debate, we can’t wait to work with her in future and are confident she will help us continue to deliver."