TWO South Lakeland businesses have been announced as finalists in a prestigious national competition which celebrates the great and the good of food produce.

Low Sizergh Farm Raw Milk and Kendal Creamy Cheese from Low Sizergh Barn, near Kendal, and Westmorland Chutney, from the Hawkshead Relish Company, will battle it out with other products in the final of the delicious. Produce Awards 2016.

Regional judges were top chef Simon Rogan of L’Enclume and Rogan & Company, cookery writer Carol Wilson and author and broadcaster Clarissa Hyman.

delicious. editor Karen Barnes said: “Our team of expert regional judges assessed entries from some of the finest food producers in the UK. The standard was extraordinarily high, and it was a tough job deciding who would go through to the finals.

"Our finalists are exceptional and I am looking forward to tasting their produce at the national judging – although I’m not looking forward to having to choose from among so many worthy candidates!

“The reputation of UK food has come so far over the past 10 years – these are exciting times – and delicious. is committed to honouring the hard work, commitment and passion of the people who produce that outstanding food.”

The delicious. Produce Awards will put the UK’s top food heroes centre stage, and winning products and producers will be featured in the October issue of the glossy food magazine.

The national final will be held in London in July. Each of the 80-plus items will be appraised by a stellar line-up of judges including the esteemed teacher, restaurateur and broadcaster Prue Leith CBE, food writer Sophie Grigson, chefs Peter Gordon and Theo Randall and delicious. editor Karen Barnes, who will decide the winners from eight categories and nine regions across the country.