A RICHMONDSHIRE businessman has scooped a number of awards in a national food and drink competition.

William Ramsbottom, of Just Williams Preserves, claimed five prizes in the Great Taste Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food and recognised as the benchmark for speciality foodstuffs.

Mr Ramsbottom, of Gilling West, North Yorkshire, claimed awards for his fig chutney and elderflower cordial He started the business in May 2005, working out of his own kitchen.

Just Williams is one of a number of local businesses recognised by the awards, which were announced earlier this week.

As well as picking fruit from his own garden for use in his products, Mr Ramsbottom also has access to a number of orchards in and around the Richmondshire area.

After winning two prizes in the 2008 competition, Mr Ramsbottom said he was delighted to see his products recognised again this time around.

“I was bottling the elderflower when I heard,”

he said, “I nearly dropped a bottle.”

As a result of his success, Mr Ramsbottom has had to triple his stock of cordial to keep up with demand.

For more information, email william@justwilliams.

com or call 07775-670134.