FOOD and drink purveyors from across North Yorkshire gathered for an awards ceremony celebrating the best of the area’s gastronomic delights.

The Flavours of Herriot Country awards were presented in a lavish ceremony at Thirsk Racecourses last week.

Previously known as Flavours of Hambleton, the awards have been rebranded and extended for this year, allowing restaurants and producers from Richmondshire to take part for the first time.

Compered by Jules Bellerby, of BBC Radio York, at total of 13 awards were handed out, while donations were also collected in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Also in attendance were Jim Wight and Rosie Page, the son and daughter of Alf Wight, better known as James Herriot, who were guests of honour.

Among the winners was the Cross View Tearooms, in Richmond, which won the Reader’s Choice award, voted for by readers of the D&S Times.

Cath Muir runs the popular venue, in the town’s Market Place, with her husband, Ian.

She said: “It was brilliant to be recognised, we are really, really pleased.

“I think we are a friendly lot and it is quite a homely, traditional sort of place.”

Cross View offers home made teas, scones and light meals, with an emphasis on freshly-prepared local produce.

Mrs Muir, who took over the running of Cross View in 2003, said: “We have a really loyal regular customer base, but we also get a lot of visitors, especially in the summer.

She also paid tribute to her staff, adding: “Without them, we could not do it.”

Other winners included Howards, in Stokesley, which won the best breakfast award, with Kiplin Hall, near Richmond, successful in the best tea room category.

Gary Verity, chief executive of tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire, which supported this year’s awards, said: “It was a terrific event, showcasing the very best in food and drink businesses across Hambleton and Richmondshire, all of which play a vital part in attracting visitors into our county.

“Around 120 businesses entered the awards and there were 13 winners. It was a tough decision for judges as the standards were high, in-keeping with the reputation of the Herriot Country as one of Yorkshire’s iconic brands.”