THE awards are now open and nominations have already started coming in.

There are 11 categories and an overall winner which will be selected by the judges.

For each category, entrants can go to herefordtimes.com/awards/foodanddrink and click on the category they wish to enter.

Entrants then need to fill in the form with as much detail as possible. There are about five questions for each category.

All submissions must be 500 words or less.

For some of the entries samples will be required. Our team will be in touch to arrange delivery of the samples for judging.

We are asking producers and businesses to nominate themselves for these awards. That way they can provide as much detail as possible about what they do.

The closing date for submissions is Wednesday, September 26, so there are less than three weeks for people to enter.

The entry process is very simple and it does not take long to enter.

Once the deadline has gone, judges will then work together to pick the finalists.

The judges will be made up of representatives from the main sponsors who are: The Butter Market in Hereford, Duchy of Cornwall, Three Counties Showground, Wobbly Brewery and NFU Mutual. Hereford Times editor John Wilson and events director Sue Griffiths will also be on the judging panel.

The winner of each category will be announced on the evening of the awards ceremony which will be held in November.

The date of the awards ceremony will be announced in due course.