A South Lakes producer has been awarded two national food and drink awards.

Lakeland Artisan, based in Staveley, has been highly commended in the Great British Food Awards for its jam and gin liqueur, both made with damsons sourced from Lyth Valley.

Geoff Monkman, director, said: “The inspiration for all that we do is here in the Lakes.

"These awards strengthen not only our reputation but that of Cumbria as a foodie haven bursting with top quality ingredients and produce.

"We’re also personally delighted as the judging process is an extremely rigorous one so for two of our products to have been recognised is a real honour.”

Lakeland Artisan’s Damson Extra Jam was judged by celebrity chef and patissier Eric Lanlard, and took home a highly commended in the sweet preserve category.

Its damson gin liqueur was also one of judge and MasterChef presenter John Torode’s top three in the spirits category, and was also highly commended.

The firm's products are made in Staveley Mill Yard and Mr Monkman and fellow director Mary Monkman are gearing up to expand, with a new production site in Kendal currently under construction.