Ben Govier, who runs Dylan's Ice Cream, has been put forward for the Specialist Food Retailer category at the first ever Petersfield Food Awards, which will be awarded during the Food Festival on the weekend of June 6-7.

Ben, who set up his ice-cream business at Manor Farm in Langrish last summer, sells his cones around the streets of Petersfield and Liphook from his own van.

He supplies both Django's restaurant in Bakery Lane and the Langrish House Hotel, and often appears at events around East Hampshire selling his products.

Made from local ingredients, Dylan's Ice Cream flavours include vanilla, honey, malt and chocolate and caramel.

Seasonal fruits such as raspberries, tayberries and damsons are also used for recipes at different times.

Ben was thrilled to have been nominated for the Petersfield Food Awards.

He said: "I think it should be really good. One of the reasons I am quite excited about it is because it will raise my profile in Petersfield.

"I am popular in Liphook where I live, but I am less well known in Petersfield where I make my ice cream.

"The opportunity to get more people in Petersfield to taste my ice cream will be brilliant."

Any business involved with food and drink can enter the awards.

Nominations are still being sought for all categories – these can be put forward by business owners or members of the public.

The categories are:
Cafe/coffee shop
Pub
Restaurant
Specialist Food Retailer
Food Producer
Takeaway
Supermarket

To nominate a company you must send your nomination, along with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Petersfield Food Awards, Post Series, 33 High Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3JR.

Due to popular demand the deadline for entries has been extended to noon on Friday, May 15.

You can also send your nominations by e-mail to: graeme.moir@thepost.co.uk