A BED & Breakfast in Upton-upon-Severn has been recognised as serving one of the best breakfasts in the Heart of England region.

Tiltridge Vineyard B&B has been awarded a Highly Commended in the Heart of England Food and Drink Excellence Awards for its morning meals, using locally-produced food and drink.

The awards, organised by regional tourist board Visit Heart of England, were announced yesterday, at the Birmingham College of Food and Technology.

They recognise pubs, restaurants and teashops that place an emphasis on sourcing food supplies locally and on serving menus that reflect the seasons and the culinary flavour of the area.

The winner of the Best Restaurant award - judged among restaurants in the whole of the central region of the country covering more than a dozen counties - was The Stagg Inn and Restaurant, in Titley, Herefordshire.

Both The Stagg Inn and Tiltridge Vineyard were county winners this year in the Flavours of Herefordshire and Tastes of Worce stershire awards.

Caf @ All Saints, in Hereford, was due to receive a Highly Commended, and Bunns Croft in Moreton Eye, near Leominster, will win Commended for its breakfast, in today's regional competition.

The Talbot at Knightwick pub, in Knightwick, near Worcester, and The Kettle Sings tearoom, in Malvern - both past winners in the Tastes of Worcestershire awards - were shortlisted for a regional award but did not win this year.

Sir William Lawrence OBE, chairman of Visit Heart of England, said the awards made an important contribution to preserving the region's local food sources.

"Eating out can be one of life's joys and eating a unique dish with locally sourced food provides the diner with the opportunity to literally taste the view in front of them," he said.

"These awards help to highlight the diversity and richness of England's produce and ensure we promote sustainable business development in maintaining food sources that may otherwise disappear."