Bakers will be able to enter two new classes in the 2013 British Pie Awards.

Organised by the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association (MMPPA), the competition is now in its fifth year and includes new chicken categories for participants to enter, alongside a free-from speciality pie class open to all sweet and savoury, gluten- and wheat-free pies.

Judging for next year’s contest will take place on Wedneday 24 April, with a new Awards Pie Lunch taking place the following day.

Matthew O’Callaghan, chairman of the MMPPA, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the response from British pie-makers in 2012. Looking to the future, the new classes for 2013 ensure we are keeping abreast of industry developments and trends, and I’m sure we will see many entries in this area.”

This year’s Awards saw more than 900 pies entered from 140 producers, judged by a panel of 90 experts.