Ashby honey producer The Bee Farmer has won the national Champion Slow Food Product award for the second time.

The Bee Farmer - otherwise known as David McDowell - has again featured highly in the Slow Food Awards, which are nominated by the public.

Created 10 years ago, each award winner is considered to be a champion of good, clean and fair food - representing the very best of their craft.

David's products can be bought at a number of local outlets in and around Ashby.

He said: "A huge thank you to everyone that took the time to vote for me. 

"This award is very special because it's voted for by the people. 

"It shows me that what I'm doing is appreciated, and that's a great source of comfort in these difficult times.

"The awards were released on Monday, as it is Terra Madre day which celebrates the founding of Slow Food. 

"But the organisers of the awards told me that I'm the first producer to win the category twice in the history of the UK awards….crikey!"

The background to the awards is that Slow Food envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet.

The approach is based on a concept of food that is defined by three interconnected principles: good, clean and fair.

• GOOD: quality, flavoursome and healthy food
• CLEAN: production that does not harm the environment
• FAIR: accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for producers.

The full list of award winners is:

• Best Butcher                  Pipers Farm, Exeter
• Best Baker                    Peter Cooks Bread, Bishops Frome
• Best Greengrocer              Farmers, Ludlow
• Best Fishmonger              Alfred Enderby, Grimsby
• Best Deli or Grocer            Broad Bean, Ludlow
• Best Cheesemonger            La Fromagerie, London
• Best Market                   Borough Market, London
• Best Restaurant/Food Eatery    Moshi Moshi, London
• Champion Slow Food Product   The Bee Farmer Honey, Ashby de la Zouch
• Person of the Year: Steve Guy – The Hungry Guy