A unique gourmet sausage, now on sale at the Churchgate Sausage Shop in Old Harlow, is the latest mouth-watering fundraising idea from St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood. And it's already proving a sizzling summer success!

It is the first time a gourmet sausage has been created for St Clare, with over 30 entries submitted to a "new flavour combination" competition.

Just 3 finalists went forward to the taste test by a panel of judges including MasterChef semi-finalist Saira Hamilton, Churchgate Sausage Shop owner Jason Drage & Hospice chef Ed Firth.

*Sausage sensations Jason Drage and Adam Benson.

The winner was Adam Benson with his delicious cheese and Marmite entry.

The 41-year-old sales administrator from Bishop’s Stortford explained: “Cheese and Marmite are two things I like mixing together and, although I’d never tried it in a sausage before, I was interested to see if it would work – and it really does!"

Churchgate sausage guru Jason said the St Clare Sizzler is already proving a big hit with customers. “Why does it work so well? Umami is the answer - both Marmite and parmesan are packed full of the fifth flavour element and when put with a perfect pork sausage the results are outstanding!"

St Clare community fundraiser Sarah Calder said: “We were absolutely thrilled with the response to our first ever St Clare Sizzle competition and with the results - the cheese and Marmite flavour combination is really tasty!"

“We know how much the British love to barbecue so we are encouraging people to not only buy the St Clare Sizzler, but to also host their own St Clare Sausage Sizzles and raise extra funds for the Hospice at the same time.”

The St Clare Sizzler costs £9.99 per kilo and is also available to buy loose in any number. A percentage of every sale will be donated to the Hospice.

For more information about organising your own St Clare Sausage Sizzle, call Sarah on 07528 520016 or e-mail.