Search for Norfolk food hero is under way

The Aylsham Agricultural Show Association has launched its annual call to Norfolk people to help seek the county’s food and drink heroes.

The search is on after the Food Heroes event which is linked to the Aylsham Show was launched today at Blickling Hall.

Norfolk Food and Drink Hero Awards Committee Chairman, Jacinth Rogers, said: “It’s once a year that we honour creative individuals and businesses in the farming, food and drink industry from our beautiful county and it’s such a pleasure to award them for their hard work.

These awards have only been going for eight years but they bring great benefits to the winners and nominees, which is vital to our local economy, tourism and the quality of our produce.”

Helen Bailey, General Manager at the National Trust’s Blickling Estate said: “We’re delighted to support all these local businesses, many of whom are close neighbours of ours at Blickling. A passion for food is part of Norfolk’s heritage and we’re proud to be part of this community of great local producers. The appeal of the Norfolk Hero Food and Drink Awards is that as well as being able to see, taste and buy the products, the public also have the opportunity to encounter the producers in their local community.”

The public can nominate until 1 June 2014 and the winners will be announced at the next Aylsham Show on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August 2014 at Blickling Park, Aylsham.

Everyone can nominate a hero, whether it is their local pub, shop or neighbour who makes outstanding food or drinks with passion and enthusiasm. People can vote online on www.theaylshamshow.co.uk.

PICTURES: HSR Photography

Winners: The Walpole Arms

Local butcher Arthur Howell