AN award winning preserve maker has proved she has the cream of the crop.

Rosalind Waugh, of Rosalind’s Larder from Middlesbrough, was awarded a one-star Great Taste award, for her Piccalilli, which was described as 'fresh, well balanced and zingy'

She was also praised for her Blackberry, Rhubarb and Liquorice Jam and her Negroni Marmalade.

She said: "I entered the Great Awards for the first time this year, because though I have always had great reviews from my customers at markets, I felt that the credibility from winning such prestigious awards was important to gain recognition of my products and progress my business.

"As well as using our own allotment and locally sourced produce in my preserves, I have a passion for creating unusual flavours for example by combining spices and herbs, chocolate and top shelf spirits, such as local gin, in my jams and marmalades.

"Needless to say, I was ecstatic on receiving the awards. Many thanks must go to my husband Alan for his support, particularly for caring for our allotment."

Food lovers are able to sample her preserves at Sedgefield, Saltburn and Thornaby farmers' markets.

This year there were 12,634 entries into Great Taste of those products, 192 have been awarded a three-star, 1,207 received a two-star and 3,254 were awarded a one-star accolade.

The panel of judges included MasterChef 2018 champion, Kenny Tutt; chef and food writer, Elly Curshen; eco chef and food writer, Tom Hunt; author and chef, Zoe Adjonyoh; baker Tom Herbert; author and blogger, Izy Hossack; and baker and recipe writer, Martha Collison; as well as food buyers from Harrods, Selfridges and Sourced Market.