IT was 'gold' for Brown's Chocolates of Throwleigh at the eighth West Country Food Awards.

The small family business took their top award in the desserts and confectionery class in the competition organised by the Taste of the West and the Royal Bath & West of England Society. Their assorted hand-made truffles will now be on display along with other winners at the Devon County Show in August.

Richard Taylor Young from the firm said that they were delighted with the award. They have been in production for eight years and have agents nationwide, with several famous customers.

All gold award winners were placed in a Championship Class for judging and the reserve winners will be announced at the county show on Friday, August 10.