A FOOD and drink festival which celebrates the county's produce won the award for Putting Hereford on the Map.

Hereford Indie Food, which was started last year by the Rule of Tum team, took first prize in this category, with The Creative Ageing Team at The Courtyard and Rural Concierge runners-up.

The award went to the HBID member that has brought attention to the county.

Hereford Indie Food was set up by Edwin and Dorian Kirk, and Jon Stead: the team behind The Burger Shop and The Bookshop in Aubrey Street.

The festival is held in the car park behind their restaurants during the August bank holiday weekend.

Edwin said: "We said we wanted to put Hereford on the map. It is interesting that that is the award we won. That is our goal and still is our goal."

Hereford Indie Food is a community-driven project celebrating the independent food scene, chefs, producers and makers in the county.

The purpose of the festival is to showcase and promote Herefordshire as a destination for good food, and to strengthen and grow the local community and economy.

Last year 4,000 people attended each day and this year it took place again over the August bank holiday weekend and attracted more than 8,000 visitors.

Speaking about this year's festival, Edwin said: "We had perfect weather. We learned a lot from the year before.

"We will carry on growing it. We will spread it into town a bit so it is seen by more people."

Edwin said it is important to him to make a difference to the place where he lives.

He said: "It is because it is my home. I think everyone should be looking to work at improving where they live and how they spend their time.

"I think if everyone puts a bit of effort in, where they live can be great.

"Especially somewhere like Hereford - there is great produce and great businesses.

"I think Hereford will become a destination for tourists."

He said in the last few years the independent food and drink scene has really changed with lots of new businesses opening.

He said: "It is at a point now where, if I didn't live in Hereford, Hereford could offer a perfect little weekend away with some great places to eat and drink.

"It has got a lot of offer."

The award was handed out by Alan Anderson from the Old Market Shopping Centre.