AN award-winning food company hopes to introduce more people to its ranges at the Great North Gluten-Free Fair.

Voakes Free From Pies, in Whixley, York, and the Gluten Free Kitchen, in Leyburn, will attend the fair which is organised by Tasteclub and held at Newcastle’s Castle Gate on Saturday, April 26.

The fair aims to prove that gluten-free needn’t mean taste-free, with a variety of food and drink on offer from more than 40 local and national producers.

After attending last year’s debut event, both companies were keen to sign up for this year’s fair.

Laura McGowan, director of Voakes Free From, said: “The 2013 Fair was the first time we had ever sold our gluten-free products at an event, and the response from visitors was overwhelming.

“We’re excited to introduce our brand new sausage roll, and we’ll also be bringing our pork and black pudding pie and traditional pasty, and will have plenty of last year's favourites too, including our traditional pork pie and pork, chicken and stuffing pie.”

Dave Fleming, co-owner of the Gluten Free Kitchen, said: “We’re regular exhibitors at gluten-free fairs across the country, but the Great North Gluten-Free Fair was one of, if not the best, we’ve ever attended.

“We’re looking forward to sampling our range of cakes, muffins and savouries again this year.”

The fair runs from 10am to 4pm. Advance tickets costing £2.50 per person or £5 per family are available at tasteclubhq.com/gluten-free-fair.

Entry on the door is £3 per person or £2 after 1.30pm. For more details, visit Facebook.com/GreatNorthGlutenFreeFair.