Only sausages that are manufactured in Cumbria will officially be called Cumberland after the recipe was granted Protected Geographical Indication status.

It is anticipated by the government that this will entice more people to the region as they go in search of the genuine article.

Food minister Jim Paice commented: "We're justly proud of British food and I'm delighted to welcome traditional Cumberland sausage as the first of our many fine sausages to win protected status."

This is the 44th food product in the UK to receive this special protection, with other items including Cornish pasties and clotted cream, as well as Stilton cheese and Shetland lamb.

Several drinks are also covered, such as Rutland bitter and Kentish strong ale.

Those who create Cumberland sausages need to keep to a range of strict criteria, with the product having to contain at least 80 per cent meat while being a minimum of 20mm thick.