SARSAPARILLA made by a Bacup family company has been voted the best soft drink in this year's North West Fine Food Awards.

Mawson's Traditional Drinks Ltd, based at New Line Industrial Estate, fought off competition from some of the region's finest producers to scoop the gong.

Now Mawson's, which produces traditional sparkling drinks and cordials, is waiting to find out if it is the overall category winner or North West Producer of the Year.

Owner Nigel Mawson said: "Our drinks have been produced by my family for nearly 75 years but we never take our reputation for granted and are always delighted when our products gain an accolade from such a respected panel."

This year saw a record number of entries in the awards, with more than 500 submissions which were judged by a panel of top chefs, food critics, supermarket representatives and regional tourist groups.

The 10 overall category winners, the North West Producer of the Year and Most Innovative Product winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Manchester's Lowry Hotel on March 22.

For more information visit www.nwfinefood.co.uk.