A HAMPSHIRE food group has been crowned the winner of this year’s British Food Fortnight competition.

Hampshire Fare was given the top honour and has been involved in British Food Fortnight for the past four years, collaborating with local producers to run sessions in primary schools to inspiring young children to question the provenance of their food.

This year, Hampshire Fare worked with year five pupils at Bartley Junior School, Bartley, in the New Forest.

Honesty Group, Lyburn Farm, New Forest Fruits and Naked Jam all led sessions covering topics such as how bread is made, fruit growing, jam making and the production of artisan cheese.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager of Hampshire Fare, said: “We are over the moon to have won the competition and feel honoured, especially knowing just how many fantastic events and activities took place across the country during the fortnight.

“Every year since, we have selected a new school to work with while the previous school has gone on to hold their own event in subsequent years. In this way, we planted a small seed and slowly it is growing in impact across the county.”

The BFF competition acknowledges the people behind the most imaginative and inclusive celebrations of local food and the harvest.

Entries were received from across the country and included pre-schools, school meals, care homes, hospitals and community festivals.

Judge and chef Raymond Blanc said: “The Hampshire Fare team are so passionate and committed about supporting and promoting the talented local produce and craft communities and I love the fact that the children get so inspired and learn so much.”

Hampshire Fare worked alongside other local organisations during the fortnight.