SPECIALIST food maker It's Nut Free has won a Great Taste Award.

The North Yorkshire company, which was set up by Angela Russell after her daughter, Kirsty, was diagnosed with a severe nut allergy, has been given the award for its refrigerator cake.

The annual Great Taste Awards are regarded as the industry "Oscars", and prizes were awarded this year after blind taste tests of more than 4,500 products from across the world.

Ms Russell said: "We are delighted with this honour. Winning a Great Taste Award recognises the craft and dedication that goes into making superb products like ours."

It's Nut Free has expanded since it was established in 2002 and now supplies supermarket chains Sainsbury's and Morrisons, as well as independent dealers. It is also the sole supplier of nut-free products to the NHS.

It makes a range of homemade cereals, flapjacks and cakes, all free from nuts, seeds and eggs.

Bob Farrand, of the Guild of Fine Food, said: "These awards have been running for 14 years now and are a recognised mark of excellence that consumers can trust and rely on.

"The winning products have been through a thorough judging process and we are able to assure consumers that the Great Taste logo, which all award winners can use, signifies genuine, proven fine food."