If you’ve enjoyed a good meal in your local this festive season or tucked in to some delicious produce from a Kent farmers’ market recently, then here’s your chance to show your appreciation.

Now in their 11th year, the prestigious Taste of Kent Awards are back and public voting is open - but time is ticking.

You must cast your vote before Friday, January 2 to help find the county’s most outstanding producers and chefs.

The awards provide the public with a unique opportunity to hand pick and vote for their favourite producers, retailers, restaurants, dining pubs and farmers’ markets from across the county.

James Beatton a partner at Cripps - legal specialists in the food and drink sector - which sponsors the awards said: “Cripps is very proud to be the main sponsor of the Taste of Kent Awards for the fourth year running.

"Kent is well known for the excellence of its food and drink..." - James Beatton

"Kent is well known for the excellence of its food and drink, a key part of the local economy and one of the main sectors in our business.

"The Taste of Kent Awards is a great way to celebrate the skill and passion of those in the industry and provide a showcase for the quality on offer in the county.”

Following the public vote, the finalists in each category will go forward to be judged by mystery shoppers and diners on an expert judging panel to find the ultimate 'food and drink heroes'.

The awards presentation dinner will take place in March at the Kent Events Centre at the Kent Showground.

The 10 categories open for public voting:

• Kent Butcher or Meat Producer of the Year
• Best Kentish Beer
• Best Kentish Wine
• Best Kentish Cider or Perry
• Best Kent Juice Producer
• Kent Local Food Retailer of the Year
• Kent Fishmonger of the Year
• Kent Food Producer of the Year
• Kent Restaurant of the Year
• Kent Dining Pub of the Year

To cast your vote visit www.tasteofkentawards.co.uk or call Produced in Kent on 01732 853170.

Voting forms are now also available from farmers’ markets, larger libraries, independent food shops or tourist information centres and can be posted to Produced in Kent Ltd, Charcott Holm Farmhouse, Tonbridge Road, Hadlow, Kent, TN11 0AH.