THE pie's the limit for graphic artist Syd Rawcliffe after he was crowned Pie Factor champion of East Lancs.

The competition organised by Baxenden-based Holland's Pies and run in conjunction with the Lancashire Evening Telegraph aimed to find the most knowledgeable pie lover.

Syd, 46, of Alice Street, Accrington, beat off stiff competition from five fellow finalists to take the title as well as winning a fridge full of Holland's Pies.

He will also be called in to work with the Holland's product development team to look at new recipes.

He said: "I just love Holland's Pie and have them at least twice a week. You could say I'm piely delighted to have won."

The six finalists had to take part in a series of tests including a taste test and a quiz to prove their pie knowledge.

Syd scored 17-and-a-half out of 18 to take the title by a point.

The new Pie Factor champion said: "Whenever we come back from holiday, no matter where we have been, the first thing we do is to go to the chippy and get a Holland's Pie and chips.

"I just love pies but my favourite is the steak and kidney pudding."

Husband and wife Keith and Florence Tomlinson from Colne Road, Reedley, finished second and third.

The couple entered without telling each other and were amazed to find they had both made the final six.

"We are together because of a Holland's pie," said Florence, 58. "I invited Keith round for something to eat and didn't have anything prepared so I bought a meat and potato pie for him. He never left."

Dawn Williams, senior brand manager said: "We know that Holland's has thousands of fans and we wanted to see how much they knew about our products."

Scores entered Pie Factor by writing a witty verse and the top six reached the final.

The other finalists were Brian Aspden of Beechwood Drive, Feniscowles, Michael O'Brien of Sands Close, Rishton and Pat Sutton of Gisburn. They all got a box of pies after being given a tour of the factory.