Councillors June Imeson and Ralph Andrew check out some of
Hambleton's flavours

AN AWARDS scheme which recognises the best that food and drink producers across the northern Yorkshire Dales have to offer is all set for an exciting finale tomorrow (2 November).

The finalists in this year's prestigious 'Flavours of Hambleton' awards scheme have been selected and twenty seven local businesses will battle it out for the nine awards on offer.

Designed to celebrate good food in the district, the competition was launched two years ago as part of a drive to forge closer links between tourism and local food and drink producers across Hambleton.

Organised by the District Council, the awards scheme attracted more than 1600 nominations from members of the public for 115 businesses. Judges whittled them down to the top four in each category and have since visited them as 'mystery shoppers' to decide on the finalists.

They now have just one more day to wait before the presentation at Thirsk Racecourse when it will be announced who has taken the titles of Restaurant of the Year, Tearoom of the Year, Breakfast of the Year, Specialist Retailer of the Year, Food Producer of the Year, Pub Food of the Year, Outside Caterer of the Year, Newcomer and Village Shop of the Year.

"Once again the calibre of entries was very high, making judging a very difficult process," said Tourism Manager, David Shields.

"Some of our finalists are old favourites but many are new entrants. But all the winners show high standards in providing good local food, high quality service and excellent surroundings."