THREE Hampshire traders have proved they are top of the tastebud-ticklers by clinching gold medals in the national Great Taste Awards.

A Southampton butcher and a chocolate-maker from Beaulieu were among the honours in what is widely regarded as the fine food Oscars.

Simon Broadribb, 32, who runs Uptons - the popular butcher shop in Winchester Road, Bassett - clinched gold for dry-cured, free-range smoked bacon from a recipe which has been in the family since 1901.

He said: "We have won many local awards but this is the first time we have taken a national one."

Uptons also picked up two silver awards for its air-dried ham and country pat.

It was a taste of sweet success for Beaulieu Chocolates, which also scooped a gold medal for its fresh cream truffles without alcohol.

Blackburne and Haynes, of Headley, near Alton, was also among the gold for its vanilla ice cream.

They are all members of Hampshire Fare Group, which this year collected 16 awards - making it the most successful year so far for its members.

Hampshire Fare marketing officer Tim Brock said: "After encouraging our members to submit entries into this year's competition it is very satisfying to see so many getting the ultimate acknowledgement they deserve.

"There is no greater accolade in the United Kingdom than receiving a gold medal in the Great Taste Awards."

More than 100 judges, including key speciality buyers, food media and other experts, gathered in London to sample more than 2,500 entries from around the United Kingdom and beyond.

Other Hampshire Fare members who also picked up awards included Pollen Organics from Bramshott, Linzi's of Lymington, L J Smith, family butchers from Bishopstoke, and Sarum Foods from Hook.

A Hampshire brewer has also been successful in The Great British Beer Festival. Triple FFF Bewery from Four Marks, near Alton, collected two gold medals and came third in the supreme championship with its Moondance Best Bitter.