WARMINSTER firm Spanks received a top prize for its piccalilli at an international food show.

Spanks won the savoury sauces category in the annual Ideas to Dine For Awards, announced at the Food & Drink Expo 2006 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Spanks is an independent producer of hand-made sauces, marinades, salad dressings, chutneys and other savoury food accompaniments, created by husband and wife team, Victoria and Matthew Davison.

Richard Hunter, managing director of South West Food & Drink, said: "The competition and exhibition are wonderful ways of showcasing the very best products in our region and we are thrilled to be awarded so many winners in this category."

Six of the 12 different category winners in the competition, judged by celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli, hailed from the south west.

Forty-six companies from the south west attended the exhibition as part of the South West Pavilion, which was the biggest at the show.