THREE Craven firms are celebrating success at the 2021 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.

The awards, now in their 17th year, celebrate all things food across the county, with several from the district reaching the shortlist and three taking home the coveted top prize for their category.

Head judge Nigel Barden said: “Having been involved in these awards for a number of years now, it’s an absolute pleasure to see them continue to grow year on year and attract new and innovative products and businesses.

“Each year, without fail, we turn up something exciting that we haven’t seen before and products and businesses that blow our socks off.

It’s a real testament to the resilience and passion of the industry here in Yorkshire that even after the events of the last two years, our food and drink producers are still innovating, collaborating and thriving to such a high standard.”

There were 17 food-related categories in total. Among the winners was Yockenthwaite Farm, run by the Hird family. They won the best pantry award with their Nutty Spelt - Not so Sweet Granola.

Class One Fresh Produce, in Snaygill Industrial Estate, Skipton, won best wholesaler while McKenzies Farm Shop, in Blubberhouses won the best prepared meat category for their air dried venison.

The farm shop had been shortlisted three times in best fish and sea food and three times in best prepared meat.

Among others shortlisted were: Love Brownies, from Barden, in the best confectionary section for their raspberry brownie bon bon; The Blosson Kitchen at Coniston Hotel - shortlisted in the best use of local produce category and Coffee Care, Skipton, shortlisted in best wholesaler which was won by Class One.

The Awards, which are the biggest food and drink accolades in the North of England, attracted hundreds of entries from businesses of all shapes and sizes from throughout the region, led by head judges, artisan food champion Nigel Barden and Yorkshire chef Steph Moon.