Ten out of ten for The Flavours of Herefordshire

One of the very first schemes in Britain to recognise and reward the use and promotion of local produce, the annual "Flavours of Herefordshire" competition, is set to reach a new milestone in 2008 as organisers prepare to mark its 10th birthday.

Widely viewed as one of the best examples of how an area can celebrate its regional flavours, the scheme has also been responsible for raising standards of quality and service throughout the county since its inception ten years ago.

And the recent launch of this year's competition has sparked a flurry of activity amongst the county's chefs, restaurateurs, publicans, accommodation providers and food producers.

It will all reach a climax once again at the third annual Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival, which is scheduled to be held at Hereford Racecourse over the weekend of October 25/26.

Celebrity cooks and TV personalities "The Hairy Bikers" will take centre stage at this year's event, and will also be the guests of honour giving the prizes to the Flavours of Herefordshire winners at the pre-festival awards dinner on Friday, October 24.

Two other unusual highlights of the Food Festival are the Marcher Apple Network Apple Day exhibition, which will celebrate the varieties of apples which have come "Back from the Brink," and the launch of Tyrrells new "Herefordshire Vodka," distilled from their potatoes.

The link between Herefordshire's rural landscape and the food and drink which is on offer to its residents and visitors is set to become even stronger this year with the introduction of a new competition inviting members of the public to devise a recipe for a main meal, costing under £5 and using only local produce.

Entrants will be invited to submit their recipes throughout the summer, before being short-listed, and then asked to take part in a "cook off" at the annual Food Festival in October.

A "Food Market" will feature more than 100 local producers who will bring with them a mouth-watering array of food and drink which has clocked-up the smallest number of food miles possible.

And while local and celebrity chefs cook-up a storm in the Food Theatre, youngsters will be able to join in the fun on a specially designed "Food Trail".

Festival admission prices (http://www.herefordshirefoodfestival.com/) are adults £5, concessions £4.50, under 14s £1, and children under 3 free.

Copies of the current Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival leaflet can be obtained free of charge by telephoning 01432 260621. Anyone interested should visit http://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/ for further details.