ORGANISERS of a community food festival have won a national award after just two years of hosting the event.

The Homegrown Food Festival, in Northallerton, took home an Action for Market Towns award in the North Social and Community category at a ceremony in Congleton, Cheshire.

Organiser Sally Anderson said the Homegrown group were delighted with the award.

She said: “It’s great to get the recognition from a national organisation. We have had lots of lovely feedback locally but it is fantastic to be alongside other similar events from around the country and come out as best in the north.”

The Market Towns Alive initiative was founded in 2004 to recognise projects that help market towns flourish and adapt to change.

Ms Anderson said the event was special because it is more than a food festival as it brings the community together and is a family day out.

Another of the organisers, Nicky Smith said: “The Homegrown Food Group was really thrilled to get the award and has been inspired by the creativity and ingenuity of the other award winning projects.

“The Towns Alive judges really liked the Grow Your Own element to the festival and the fact that we engaged with schools and the local community in gardening activities both before the event and on the day.

“At our 2014 Festival, on Sunday, June 29, we aim to extend the Grown Zone to incorporate more fruit and vegetable growing, composting workshops, and helpful hints and advice for all the budding back-yard gardeners out there.”

The festival will also be increasing the number of stall holders who will be selling a wide variety of locally produced food and drink, as well as cookery demonstrations in the Food Theatre.

Ms Smith added: “The award highlights that in order to start something it takes just a simple idea and a committed group of people.

“Now the Homegrown Food Festival is two years old, the name is becoming known and we will continue to build on its success.”

Stallholder bookings are already being taken for next year. For booking forms and information visit www.homegrownfoodfest.co.uk