FOOD and drink businesses are being urged to make a bid for a coveted award - following in the footsteps of Thornbury family firm Bramley and Gage.

The company has won a string of accolades for its variety of drinks, with its 6 O'Clock Gin winning over the judges in last year's Great Taste awards scheme.

It received a three-star award - the highest possible in the competition.

Now entries are open for the 2015 judging of the best in the industry.

The event is organised by the Guild of Fine Food and judged by hundreds of experts, including chefs, buyers, retailers, restaurateurs, food critics and writers.

In the 21 years that it has been run, more than 90,000 products have been blind tasted to find the best on the market.

Up to 10,000 products will be assesses from March, with the results announced in the summer.

Winners of one, two and three stars will then be able to put the Great Taste seal of approval logo on their product packaging.

John Farrand, the guild's managing director and Great Taste organiser, said: "For producers, it reflects their hard work and commitment to making superb tasting food and drink.

"For consumers, it is a recognisable, simple and clear logo that confirms they are buying the most outstanding products on the shelf."