TIME is running out for you to heap praise on the best of Yorkshire-grown fare -for tomorrow sees the close of nominations for the successful Evening Press Eat Local competition.

The competition has seen a great response from our readers, with a flood of nominations across the board to recognise the very best of local food.

Now is your last chance to recognise your favourite producer, supplier or retailer, to give them a chance to be named Eat Local Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show in July.

The success and popularity of our nominees has been recognised outside York, as three of our nominees have been described as best of British.

In a recent investigation into top British food, York Farmers' Market, Cross of York, and the York Beer and Wine Shop have been named by a national newspaper as some of the top suppliers in the North.

"It's great to get this kind of recognition," said Jim Helsby, joint owner of York Beer and Wine Shop.

"It is very gratifying to be praised like this, but to be honest it is often better on the local scale than on the national.

"We were delighted to be nominated for the Eat Local competition, it is nice to know your customers appreciate you."

Andrew Kenny, owner of fishmongers, Cross of York, was also delighted.

"We were obviously pleased that we were featured in the nationals, and were very, very pleased to be nominated for the Eat Local competition.

"My great grandfather was a fisherman, then this business was begun by my grandfather. The local aspect is hugely important to us.

"We have been on this spot since 1957, we are the longest-running fishmonger in York, and it is great to be given this support and recognition so many years on."

So for the last time, if you think your village shop is the tops, or your baker is the best, send in the coupon here. Nominations close tomorrow!

Updated: 09:02 Friday, May 30, 2003