NOMINATIONS have opened for an annual awards scheme which recognises the best of Hambleton’s food and drink producers.

Local residents and visitors can enter their favourite eating and drinking haunts for one of eleven prizes in the 2009 ‘Flavours of Hambleton’ awards.

And for the first time businesses are being encouraged to nominate themselves – and have the opportunity to promote their business across Hambleton. They will be asked to submit supporting material such as menus to help the shortlisting process.

Now in its sixth year the prestigious competition is part of a drive by the District Council to forge closer links between tourism operators and food producers across Hambleton and promote healthy eating for everyone.

Nominations have opened for the eleven categories to find the best restaurant, tearoom, breakfast, specialist retailer, village shop, outside caterer, food producer, pub food and for the first time there will be a ‘foods of the world’ category.

There are also prizes for newcomer of the year – a venue that is new to Hambleton within the last 12 months – and for outstanding achievement in the food and drink industry. That could go to a landlord, waitress, food supplier….anyone who works in this trade.

Entries must be with the District Council by July 10. Judging will be carried out in August with the final three in each category invited to the grand final in November.

Nomination forms can also be found on www.hambleton.gov.uk and they can be collected from any of Hambleton District Council’s offices – in Northallerton, Stokesley and Easingwold; or Thirsk Tourist Information Centre.