DAYLESFORD Organic Farmshop in the North Cotswolds picked up a clutch of awards at the Soil Association Organic Food Awards at Sheepdrove Organic Farm in Berkshire.

The awards, now in their 18th year, attracted over 1,000 entries and Martin Cottingham, Soil Association marketing director, said: "Winners have shown outstanding commitment to organic standards and to the quality of the food they produce. These awards are richly deserved as competition was particular tough this year."

Named organic restaurant of the year, judges commended Daylesford on the use of first-class, seasonal ingredients and varied, well-prepared dishes.

In the individual categories, Daylesford's Sourdough Bread came out on top and their Beetroot Bread was commended.

In the prepared dishes, the shop was highly commended for spinach and smoked bacon quiche and commended for beef bourgignon.

For Soups and Sauces, Daylesford came out top with beetroot and bacon soup and commended for butternut, sage and onion soup.

There was also top award for Sweet Preserves and Spreads with strawberry jam.

Taste of the Country, of Moreton, was highly commended in the Local Food Initiative category, Daylesford Creamery was commended for Daylesford cheese in the cheese section and for fresh fruit and vegetables Baywell Farming Ltd, of Moreton, was commended for both tomatoes and French beans.