ORGANISERS of a food and drink awards are appealing for businesses in Hambleton and Richmondshire to put themselves forward for this year’s competition.

The main sponsor of the 2013 Flavours of Herriot Country Awards is the Wensleydale Creamery, and it is supported by Welcome to Yorkshire.

David Hartley, managing director at the Wensleydale Creamery, said he was delighted to sponsor the awards this year.

He added: “We have so many fine producers in this area of Yorkshire that it’s great to be able to help blow their trumpet.”

Last year hundreds of businesses entered the awards, which is now in its ninth year.

This year’s awards ceremony will be held on November 22 at Thirsk Racecourse.

The full list of categories for 2013 are: Breakfast of the Year – sponsored by Sweet Moments, Northallerton; Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Barkers of Northallerton; Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Absolutely Food PR and Marketing; Drinks’ Producer of the Year – sponsored by Grand Central; Specialist Retailer of the Year – sponsored by The Pantry, Thirsk; Village/Farm Shop of the Year – sponsored by Provenance Inns; Foods of the World – sponsored by Raj of India; Dining Pub of the Year – sponsored by Black Sheep Brewery; Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Figs Catering; Independent Butcher of the Year – sponsored by Vale Of Mowbray; Best Attraction Catering of the Year – sponsored by Bow House Ltd; Reader’s Choice of the Year – sponsored by Darlington and Stockton Times; Outstanding Achievement of the Year – sponsored by Lewis & Cooper.

Any businesses wishing to nominate themselves for the Flavours of Herriot Country Awards should go to www.welcometoherriotcountry.com. All nominations should be submitted along with two quality images before August 31.