THE county's food producers have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

Winners at the first Deliciously Yorkshire Awards for Excellence include Wensleydale Products Ltd, from Hawes.

The firm's Betty Guys Little Pies brand won the class for the most innovative product using regional produce.

Other winners included Green's Restaurant, in Whitby, which scooped the award for the best regional food on a menu.

The Bleikers Family Smokehouse, from Nidderdale, took home the performance of 2005 after it saw a big jump in sales.

The event was organised by the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber (RFGYH).

Karen Carlyle, RFGYH executive director, said: "Our members bring trophies back to Yorkshire all the time, including an impressive 73 medals from this year's prestigious Great Taste Awards.

"We know their food and drink is among the best in the country.

"But we know them as people, rather than just products.

"We wanted to give them a huge slap on the back for the wonderful way they have grown and improved their businesses."