NOMINATIONS are now being sought for the annual awards scheme which recognises the very best of Hambleton’s food and drink producers.

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

And new this year is the chance for businesses to nominate themselves - and promote themselves across the district.

The competition is now in its sixth year and is part of a drive by the district council to forge closer links between tourism operators and food producers and promote healthy eating.

Nominations have opened to find the best restaurant, tearoom, breakfast, specialist retailer, village shop, outside caterer, food producer and 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.

Entries must be submitted by July 10 and judging will be carried out in August with the final three in each category invited to the grand final in November.

Nomination forms can be collected from any of Hambleton District Council’s offices – in Northallerton, Stokesley and Easingwold; or from Thirsk tourist information centre. They can also be found at the website www.hambleton.gov.uk