EXCEPTIONAL eateries from across Hambleton and Richmondshire are once again being given a chance to shine with the return of the Flavours of Herriot Country Awards.

Now in its eight year, the awards celebrate all the many outstanding, entrepreneurial and innovative food and drink businesses across the area.

Businesses of all size and flavour are catered for across 12 categories covering everything from the best afternoon teas, beers and breakfasts, right through to exceptional customer service, specialist products and young professional chef of the year.

Irene Myers, chair of the Flavours Awards said: “It’s going to be a very exciting awards event this year, with some special guests joining us.

"And we are expecting a bumper record number of entries coming in.

"And again, we have some incredibly supportive sponsors involved with the awards.

"The feedback we have had from last year’s winners on what the awards have done for their businesses is what it’s all about."

The awards boast an independent panel of highly respected judges who are experts in the food and drink industry, headed by Chair of Judges Susie Brindley.

The awards entries opened on May 30, and the full run down of categories is; Breakfast of the Year, Tea Room of the Year, Local Product of the Year, Specialist Retailer of the Year, Afternoon Tea of the Year, Pub Food of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, Baked Product of the Year, Cafe/Restaurant of the Year at a Visitor Attraction

Customer Service Team of the Year, Locally Produced Beer of the Year and Young Professional Chef or Catering Student of the Year (under 25).

The Reader's Choice Award, sponsored by D&S Times, is a special category as the public can vote for their favourite business from the list of finalists which will be announced after close of entries.

The entry forms, all the category details, and other helpful information are at flavoursofherriotcountryawards.com

The deadline for entries is midnight on Friday, August 30.

All the winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on Monday, December, 2 from 11am to 2.30pm at The Garden Rooms, Tennants, Leyburn.