​Pie makers entering a competition at Gloucester Cathedral could find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

The ancient venue has asked local cooks to submit a recipe for a pie – with the best one being put into production for sale in the Cathedral’s cafe.

However, according to research, making a Pilgrim’s Pie in Gloucestershire could break a law dating back to the Doomsday Book.

The book records pagans making Pilgrim’s Pies to sell to monks in the Gloucester area, an idea which enraged local ruler Egbert of Wessex so much that he outlawed the practice.

He also banned the sale of shepherds’ pies in the area at the same time.

However, competition organisers said they were not worried about the ancient law.

Cathedral Chapter steward Mark Beckett said: “We will bear the proclamation in mind and try to avoid the wrath of the powers that be.

“However, as shepherds’ pie is being made and sold in these parts without prosecution, I think we can go ahead with our plans to launch our Pilgrim’s Pie.”

The closing date for entries into the pie competition has passed, with judging due to take place on Monday, March 1.