PUBS, restaurants and cafes will be rewarded for using local produce at a prestigious ceremony in Herefordshire this month.

The 2002 Flavour of Herefordshire awards will be announced at the ceremony at Hampton Court, near Leominster, on Wednesday, September 25.

The scheme recognises the best use and promotion of local produce. Awards are to be made in several categories, including Restaurant of the Year, Pub of the Year and Shop/Retailer of the Year.

The aim is to encourage the county's catering outlets and food shops to use local supplies wherever possible.

It is trying to persuade restaurateurs to conserve authentic traditional dishes, while developing new dishes based on the food and drinks products of the area.

"The scheme has become one of the county's great success stories," said tourism marketing officer Kate Tudge, "not only because it is highly regarded within the county, but also because it has also become widely recognised nationally as one of the most successful campaigns of its kind in the UK."

There have been 89 entries in the six categories, with cash prizes amounting to £2,500.

Winners will be presented with their prizes by the chairman of the judging panel, food expert Frances Bissell.