Two Cumbrian producers have returned with top honours from a major food and drink show.

Fyne Fish, in Cockermouth, was named Fishmonger of the Year and Lovingly Artisan, based at Plumgarths, won the North West Regional Producer award and the national Baker of the Year award at the Farm Shop & Deli Show in Birmingham.

It was the second year running that Fyne Fish, based on Station Street, reeled in the award.

Owned by Sharon Heron and her husband John, the wet fish shop also makes its own sushi and runs classes so people can learn to roll their own Japanese delicacy.

Aidan Monks and Catherine Connor, owners and bakers at Lovingly Artisan, said: ‘’It’s a real honour to be shortlisted and to win both awards is simply incredible!

"The annual awards are one of the biggest events in food and drink sector and provide a magnificent stage to recognise the skills and achievements of the whole industry.

"They are an opportunity to shout from the rooftops and celebrate those individuals and businesses at the forefront of the UK’s burgeoning artisan food and drink scene."

A team of over 20 experts judged entries online before coming together last November to deliberate and shortlist the contenders.

During January and February secret visits took place before the winners, and overall Retailer of the Year, were decided.

Following the judging process and nearly 5,500 consumer votes, the 12 category winners and nine regional winners were revealed to the assembled crowds on the opening day of the sixth Farm Shop & Deli Show, one of the UK’s largest specialist food and drink trade shows.

The annual awards celebrate the highest levels of service, product knowledge, initiative, innovation and community involvement, the awards unearth the crème de la crème of fine food retail establishments from across the UK.

Nigel Barden, chairman of judges, said: “More work than ever goes into the Farm Shop & Deli Awards, including an increased number of visits and more hours spent on the road for our judges.

"This gives the awards even more kudos and esteem, as does the experience of our 20 judges who represent all aspects of the food and drink sector.

"Some of them are previous Retailers of the Year and appreciate how much benefit is gained by winning an award and the amount of work and expertise required to triumph.’’