FINALISTS have been selected in a contest to find Herriot Country’s culinary heroes.

The finalists for the Flavours of Herriot Country Awards have now been picked ahead of an awards lunch in November when the winners will be announced.

The awards for food or drink-related businesses in the Hambleton area are now into their third year.

There are 11 categories in the awards including best tea rooms, dining pubs, food producers, specialist retailers, restaurants, butchers and farm shops.

This year a new category has been added for the best customer service personality.

Jessica Barker, vice chair of The Herriot Country Tourism Group said: "It's a great achievement for these businesses to be finalist in the Flavours of Herriot Awards, and a wonderful opportunity for local businesses to be rewarded and to receive the recognition they deserve."

The winners are due to be announced at a lunchtime ceremony in the James Herriot Hall at Thirsk Racecourse on November 21.

Among the guests at the lunch will be Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Jim Wight and Rosie Page, the son and daughter of vet and James Herriot author Alf Wight.

Presenting the awards will be Stephanie Moon, one of North Yorkshire’s most prominent chefs.

During her 25 years in the food profession she has worked in some of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants. Now running a chef consultancy business, she is also well-known for her many television appearances.