A BROMSBERROW desert maker is hoping for a taste of success in a countywide food competition.

Rachel Hicks, of Just Rachel Quality Deserts, is among food producers, pub owners, restaurateurs and retailers shortlisted for this year's Flavours of Herefordshire Awards, which encourage and reward the use of local products.

She is hoping her mouth-watering range of ice creams, including blackcurrant & Pernod and damson & sloe gin will tickle the tastebuds of judges, due to visit in the next fortnight.

"We do other deserts but have become known for our ice cream," said Ms Hicks. "We make it as if it were made in the home, with natural, locally produced ingredients."

Ms Hicks said that although she had entered the competition before, this was the first time she had been shortlisted.

Jane Lewis, spokesman for event organisers Herefordshire Tourism, said the high quality of entrants made the competition increasingly difficult to judge.

Other categories include best tearoom, food producer, restaurant, pub, retailer, breakfast and self-caterer. New this year are awards for young training chefs and chefs in industry. A special award will also be given for the most enterprising business.

Former restaurant category winner the Scrumpy House, in Much Marcle, has again been shortlisted.

Other finalists include The Handmade Scotch Egg Company, from Bishop's Frome, Old Apple Store Tea Room, in Bringsty, Oliver's cider and Perry in Ocle Pychard and Hidelow House Cottages in Acton Beauchamp.

Results will be announced on Monday, September 19.

Prize winners will be featured in a Flavours of Herefordshire booklet, published in October.