FIVE food and drink producers and retailers from North Yorkshire have won gold medals in one of the industry's biggest competitions.

The firms triumphed at the Great Taste Awards, dubbed the Oscars of the fine food and drink world.

Among the companies to win gold was Carrick's Fish Limited, a 75-year-old family business based in Bedale.

The firm sells fresh fish at markets across Yorkshire.

Nicola Carrick said: "I was delighted to win two golds for our smoked salmon and oak smoked crevettes. We've recently redesigned our packaging, so having a gold medal on the front really sets us apart from the crowd."

Another family firm to take one of the top awards for its ham was Arthur Haigh Fresh Foods of Thirsk.

Duncan Haigh said: "I'm delighted with the gold medal and I'm pleased to be carrying on my father's tradition of making great black pudding, hams and sausages.

"Great food speaks for itself, but winning medals sweetens the success."

Other North Yorkshire firms to win gold medals included White Rose Preserves, of Leyburn, for its banana chutney, LH Fine Foods, of Harrogate, for its broccoli and Yorkshire blue soup; and Lewis and Cooper, of Northallerton, for its traditional plum pudding

The firms are all members of the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber.

In total, the group's members brought home 73 gold, silver and bronze medals.

The awards are run by the Guild of Fine Food Retailers.