A North Yorkshire wine merchant has been honoured in two prestigious awards.

Independent vintner Playford Ros, of Thirsk, has been named the Restaurant Supplier of the Year in the Wine Of Australia awards.

It has also helped the Crown Inn, at Great Ouseburn, near York, become the Wine Pub Of The Year In The North in the Les Routiers annual awards.

Andrew Firth, managing director, said: "This is a great double for us. It is tremendously satisfying being recognised by our colleagues in the food and wine industry and it makes all our hard work worthwhile.

"I am so pleased we have been honoured by the Australian wine industry.

"These are exciting times for Australian wine, with superb new wines emerging to challenge the old favourites, and we are delighted to be part of this new wave."

The Wine Of Australia awards were run by the Australian Wine Bureau in conjunction with Restaurant magazine and the judges commented: "Playford Ros excited the panel with their presentation of a comprehensive list, extensive product knowledge, friendly service and good training. They make a discernible difference to the restaurants they supply".

Updated: 09:09 Wednesday, November 03, 2004