NINE food businesses are celebrating after being judged the 'best in their category in an awards ceremony aimed at finding the top flavours across the Hambleton district of the Yorkshire Dales.

Judging by the standard of entries for these awards there is a wealth of excellence out there

David Shields - Hambleton Tourism Manager

Each business won top slots in the prestigious 'Flavours of Hambleton' awards which were established to forge closer links between the regions tourism and food providers.

The ceremony held yesterday (Thursday) at Thirsk Racecourse saw a man described as an 'icon' in the district's food and drink industry awarded with an outstanding achievement award. Tony Howard - formerly Northallerton's Lewis and Cooper - took the title, the first time the award has been made.

he District Council run competition - now in its third year - attracted hundreds of nominations for 115 different businesses. They were whittled down to 27 finalists in the nine categories.

"We set out to strengthen the links between tourism and the food and drink industry - to develop a distinct cuisine for Hambleton," said Tourism Manager, David Shields.

"Judging by the standard of entries for these awards there is a wealth of excellence out there - and making final choices for the top prizes was very difficult.

"Every one of the finalists was a winner and should be very proud of their achievements."

• Highly commended prizes went to Sam Turner's Café, Northallerton; The Lodge at Leeming Bar; Thornhill Dexter Beef, Easingwold; Peacocks Desserts, Knayton; Le Carolo, Thirsk; Huby shop; Stillington shop; The Old Oak Tree, South Kilvington; The Wellington Heifer, Ainderby Steeple; Upstairs Downstairs, Thirsk; Fine Foods of Yorkshire, Easingwold; TeaHee, Easingwold; Aroma, Northallerton; and Woodys at the Black Swan, Thornton le Moor.