HEROES of the county’s thriving food and drink scene were celebrated during a lavish awards ceremony attended by 350 industry leaders.

An impressive 10,000 members of the public voted in the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2015, which saw eight of the top Sussex producers win trophies.

The Sussex foodie event of the year was hosted by awards patron Sally Gunnell and Danny Pike, of BBC Sussex, at the Amex stadium in Brighton last night.

The coveted eating experience of the year award went to Michelin-starred restaurant The Curlew in Bodiam, while the award for drink producer of the year went to apple juice and cider maker Wobblegate, based in Bolney.

The former young chef of the year and MasterChef: The Professionals champion Steven Edwards saw South Lodge Hotel colleague Tim Sheed, of The Pass in Lower Beeding, scoop young chef of the year 2015.

Rushfields Farm Shop in Poynings won food shop of the year, Steyning Farmers’ Market picked up the trophy for best farmers’ market, while Tim Hassell, of Goodwood Home Farm, won farmer of the year.

Chocolate-maker Cocoa Loco, of West Grinstead, won best food producer and AC Coughtrey, of Pulborough, scooped butcher of the year.

Guests were treated to a bubbly reception from Harveys Brewery and Carr Taylor vineyard, followed by a seven-course banquet from in-house caterers Sodexo Prestige.

Sally Gunnell said: “This is my third year as patron and again we have been treated to an impressive line-up.

“As a farmer’s daughter, I am a huge advocate of eating fresh, local food as well as supporting your community. These awards do exactly that.

“They raise awareness throughout the year and offer the opportunity to celebrate Sussex’s innovative, imaginative, sustainable and delicious food and drink producers.”