PLAYFORD ROS, one of the leading independent wine merchants in the North of England, has been honoured in two top awards.

The Thirsk vintner has been named restaurant supplier of the year in the Wine of Australia awards and has helped the Crown Inn at Great Ouseburn, near York, become the North's wine pub of the year in Les Routiers' annual awards.

"This is a great double for us," said managing director Andrew Firth. "It is tremendously satisfying being recognised by our colleagues in the food and wine industry and it makes all our hard work worthwhile.

"I am so pleased we have been honoured by the Australian wine industry. These are exciting times for Australian wine, with superb new wines emerging to challenge the old favourites, and we are delighted to be part of this new wave."

The Wine of Australia awards were run by the Australian Wine Bureau in conjunction with Restaurant magazine and the judges commented: "Playford Ros excited the panel with their presentation of a comprehensive list, extensive product knowledge, friendly service and good training. They make a discernible difference to the restaurants they supply."

Simon Kershaw of Playford Ros, and Michael Ibbotson of the Durham Ox in Crayke, who nominated the vintners for the award, have won an all-expenses paid, ten-day trip to the key wine-growing areas of Australia.

The success of the Crown Hotel as wine pub of the year underlined Playford Ros' position as the leading supplier to the restaurant and hotel trade in Yorkshire. The company also supplies the award-winning Hazlewood Castle, near Tadcaster, which was the North's hotel of the year in Les Routiers awards.

Andrew Firth said: "These awards are a barometer of excellence in the region and I would like to extend my congratulations to both the Crown and Hazlewood Castle. We are happy to have played a part in their success."

Playford Ros was bought by managing director, Andrew Firth, from founder, Nigel Munton, two years ago.

Pictured, left, are, from back left: Wine of Australia judges Ben Glaetzer, Hamish Anderson and Paul Henry, with, front, Michael Ibbotson of the Durham Ox and Simon Kershaw of Playford Ros