A DARTMOOR farmers' co-operative has been presented with an award, recognising the quality of their meat and poultry.

The Dartmoor Farmers' Association picked up Gold for 'Best Meat and Poultry 2010' for their two-bone rack of Dartmoor lamb at the Taste of the West awards in Somerset in November.

The association is made up of more than 40 individual hill farms and is supported by the Prince of Wales. The cooperative produces high quality beef and lamb and are no strangers to success at the Taste of the West awards, having won three golds and a silver in previous years.

Will Alan from the Dartmoor Partnership, of which the association is a member, said: 'This only confirms the extremely high quality food that the farmers' association are producing, and champions the great food that Dartmoor has to offer.

Meat from the association is available at local pubs, restaurants and hotels, and can also be supplied by courier.

FOOD producers from across Dartmoor and the rest of Devon have been promoted at the BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham.

Dartmoor Partnership, which seeks to promote the moor and its businesses across the country, attended the event in conjunction with North Devon, South Devon, Torbay and Exeter to promote Devon as a great destination for food lovers.

The Visit Devon stand hosted food producers and suppliers from across the length and breadth of the county, showcasing their own fantastic flavours. Mitch Tonks prepared south Devon crab, Dartmoor Chilli Farm displayed their wares and north Devon brought cider and ale for tasting.

Dartmoor's offerings included recent 'Taste of the West' winners Brimblecombe's Cider, Curworthy Cheese, Dartmoor Farmers' Association, Ashburton Cookery School, Riverford Organic, Dartmoor Brewery and all the suppliers and other producers that make Dartmoor a real focal point for quality food.

There were competition packages to be won, with Dartmoor offering a luxury stay at Mill End Hotel at Chagford, as well as lunch at Gidleigh Park and a hamper from Dartmoor Chilli Farm.

Jess Whistance, of the Dartmoor Partnership, said: 'The event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase Dartmoor produce to a large audience of foodie lovers. There were literally thousands of people each day and so many of them had a real love for Devon and Dartmoor in particular. We received some great feedback and it became apparent that Devon really is the place to come if you like your food; we have some of the best local produce in the UK and we should shout about it.'

The Visit Devon stand was funded by Devon County Council, with help from Area Tourism Partnerships, of which Dartmoor Partnership is one. For further information on Dartmoor's produce visit http://www.dartmoor.co.uk">www.dartmoor.co.uk