A LOCAL ice cream manufacturer has scooped a prestigious award.

Just Rachel Desserts won the Dairy and Ice Cream Category in a new awards scheme called the National Awards for Small Producers.

The prestigious award, which has the support of HRH The Prince of Wales, was initiated to help the food and farming industry, which is suffering a drop in income.

The awards were held at the Moreton-in-Marsh Agricultural Show.

"By enhancing the profile of the small producers in the eyes of the general public, it is intended to reward their enterprise and initiative and encourage employment in the rural economy," said a spokesman.

More than 200 entries were received, with winners selected in nine categories.

All the entries were from small businesses with a reputation for quality and, in some cases, unusual products.

Just Rachel Desserts, based near Ledbury, received particular commendation for its damson & sloe gin ice cream.

The company is owned by Rachel Hicks and employs five people.

It uses locally-grown produce wherever possible to create a range of unusual flavours.

October's special is apple with cider brandy ice cream, using local Bramley apples and Herefordshire cider brandy.

Just Rachel Ice Creams are available from many outlets in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.