TWO Wellington Farmers’ Market traders are celebrating this week after being selected as Local Food Heroes. 

The awards, run by neighbouring food festival Burnham-on-Sea, seek to celebrate the traders who are championing the value of high-quality produce, driving forward their businesses and encouraging other traders to do the same. 

The festival organisers said: “Legglands Orchards have unparalleled provenance and attention to detail to create a great range of Somerset products. This is the second year we have selected Legglands Orchards and they keep getting better and better. 

“Robert Hawker Venison shows a commitment to producing the highest quality meat and products rooted in the local terroir with impeccable welfare standards. Robert’s care and attention to detail comes through in all his products.”

Mr Hawker said: “Thank you for this award – it’s so unexpected! It’s humbling to receive this award as there are so many other great and worthy producers that attend the excellent food festivals – it’s a brilliant showcase to let your produce shine. This award means a lot to Amanda and I and my family – it represents the early mornings and late nights working at producing the best local produce we can.”

Louise Perrin, of Legglands Orchards, said: “We are thrilled to be given the Local Food Heroes award for the second year running. We’re a husband and wife micro-business and this recognition inspires us to continue producing the best Somerset artisan preserves. There is an amazing buzz at the Burnham-on-Sea Food & Drink Festival and we love being part of it. Thank you to all the visitors who give us such wonderful feedback, and, of course, to Bev and Sarah for organising such a great event.”

The pair will be presented with their awards at the next Burnham-on-Sea Food & Drink Festival on Saturday, May 28.

The organisers will be looking for their Local Food Heroes at the Wellington Food Festival on September 3.

The next Wellington Farmers’ Market is on Saturday, May 21, between 9am and 1pm.