Faggots have a bright future as two million are sold
The traditional Black Country faggot has been fated as facing extinction but one butcher will tell you that couldn't be further from the truth.
Len Broadbent has been in the meat industry since age 10 - and in the past six years, he's sold two million faggots.
He is still cooking, packaging and selling his own creations, made in store at Broadbent Butchers, Castle Street, Coseley, today and there is clearly still a healthy appetite for the traditional dish in his area.
He believes that his success can be very easily explained.
See also: Last of the proper Black Country faggott makers?
He said: "Faggots have gone in and out of vogue but for me there will always be people looking to enjoy them.
"We get people of all ages come in here, they smell them cooking and if they haven't had them before, they usually want a taste after that.
Are you a fan of Black Country faggots? What makes them so special? Have your say in the comments below.
"Its important with something like faggots that people know what they are eating is fresh and clean.
"We do everything in store and our customers know they can trust us."
Lens dedication to his profession has seen him come out of retirement three times to carry on working at his shop, which he has owned for 21 years.
The 67 year old has built his business around family values and puts working with young people as the main reason for his longevity in the workplace.
He said: "My son Mark s 39 and he helps me run the place, which adds a family element to what we do.
"Customers pick up on that.
"I try to work with young people because it just adds something different to the daily routine.
"We have the radio on and will have banter with each other over music to pass the time.
"I like the early Beatles stuff but the youngsters have put me on to Tinie Tempah.
"It's all part of creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers."
Regular customers at Broadbents will say they enjoy the conversation and atmosphere inside the shop but clearly it is the faggots that keep them coming back for more.
Len said: "I just think they are an easy, honest, traditional meal.
"Television shows have given people all sorts of ideas about fancy cooking and expensive food but this meal has been around for so long you just can't argue with it.
"Fashions come and go but there will always be a call for traditional food."
