The Hairy Bikers, two of TV's most popular and down to earth chefs, rode into Hereford last week as stars of the Food Festival and met with several of our local food stars.

On the Friday evening before the Food Festival, which took place at Hereford Race Course, they hosted the annual Flavours of Herefordshire dinner. And many of the winners of these prestigious awards are based in, or near to Ross.

The Orles Barn was named as the Restaurant of the year, Wilton Court was highly commended and the Mill Race at Walford was commended. Glewstone Court Country House Hotel was a finalist.

Rachel Williams who works at Wilton Court Hotel was named as Young Chef of the Year in industry.

Orles Barn was also highly commended in the awards for its breakfasts and Little Treaddow Farmhouse at St Owen's Cross.

Another local finalist was Louisa Stout who runs Lodge Farm Kitchen at Deep Dean, Ross. She was a finalist in the Food Producer section. Retailer of the year was Pengethley Farm Shop at Peterstow.

The awards evening once again acted as the prelude to the annual Herefordshire Food Festival.

This was a marvellous showcase for several local producers. And everyone the Ross Gazette spoke to said that they had enjoyed a fantastic weekend.

For more pictures and the full report see this week's Ross Gazette