THE Riverside Inn and Restaurant at Aymestry excited the tastebuds of the county when it was judged as the 1999 'Flavours of Herefordshire' winner, writes ANITA HOWELLS.

And now the search is on for a worthy successor following the launch of the 2000 event at the Three Counties Hotel, Hereford, last week.

The awards scheme recognises businesses that source a high percentage of their ingredients from within a 40-mile radius.

'The Times' cook Frances Bissell has given her backing to the award scheme and local TV personality and foodie Monty Don has provided his seal of approval to a new short breaks leaflet.

The very best of the county's pubs, restaurants, guest houses, tea rooms and retailers all feature in the guide to Herefordshire's finest flavours, which was also launched last week.

Among those present in the colourful booklet is the 1999 'guesthouse of the year', The Haven at Hardwicke, owned by Mark and Janet Robinson. The Village Green Stores and Coffee Shop, owned by Jean Bourbour at Kingsland, local retailer of the year, and Berrington Hall at Leominster, best tea room, are also included.

The guide also contains recipes, B&B prices for 12 guesthouses, eight restaurants, pubs and tea-rooms and a choice of five specialist retail outlets.

Copies can be obtained free of charge by telephoning 01432 260621.