A LAKE District speciality pickle-maker enjoyed a spoonful of success at the Great Taste 2016 food awards.

David Farraday's Cumberland pickle impressed judges with its tangy flavour and 'gentle heat' during blind-tasting at the prestigious event.

The condiment's recipe features pickled vegetables, dates, sultanas and curry spices; and it can now carry the recognisable black-and-gold Great Taste label as a signpost of quality.

"It means we are going forward knowing it's as good as we think it is," said David, whose brand, Farraday's Tasty, is based at Bowness.

Earlier this year David, a highly successful restaurateur for 22 years, joined a Northern Powerhouse international trade mission to Dubai. The Middle East's largest supermarket chain, Lulu's, is now stocking the handmade pickles in its Dubai branches, and it is hoped they will be sold in Qatar, too.

During the past 12 weeks David has delivered two shipments of pickle to the Persian Gulf, a total of 1200 jars. He told the Gazette that the product was popular with Brits and also locals, being alcohol-free.

The businessman is busy exploring further export opportunities, and is cultivating quite a following for the Farraday's Tasty range among Lake District chefs, at restaurants such as the Lyth Valley Hotel and the Brown Horse at Winster.

Apart from his Wasabi Mango Mayonnaise, all the condiments are handmade in the Lake District by a production company. Some 22,000 jars were filled during the first year, with 'right proper' Piccalilli and the lemongrass, garlic and ginger-flavoured Surinamese pickle the most popular.

For stockists and online orders, visit www.stay-tasty.com