Launched this year, Local Hero 2006 is a major new food award from UKTV Food, supported by Enjoy England, FARMA and Lea & Perrins. The Awards seek out and honour those people who go the extra mile to create great local food and offer a valuable service to their community.

A people’s award, this is a tribute to everyone who helps put great British produce onto plates, into shops and markets and on pub and restaurant tables. It’s an appreciation by the people who shop and eat local food at regional outlets, including farm shops, farmers’ markets’ stallholders, pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms, and home delivery schemes. If you are a primary producer; add value to locally sourced products; sell directly to customers; supply local shops; or provide food to schools - this is your chance to be recognised for excellence and commitment to quality.

THE SEARCH
The nationwide search for Local Heroes will launch on 3 July across ten UK regions - Scotland, North East, North West, Midlands, Wales, South East, South West, East Anglia, London and Northern Ireland. Each region will have a ‘food detective’ championing heroes in their area. Viewers and members of the public will be asked to nominate and vote for their Local Food Hero and each nominee will receive a nomination pack containing window stickers and posters to encourage support from their customers.  Voting will take place from Monday 3 July until Monday 21 August on www.uktvfood.co.uk.  The winner of the Local Hero 2006 title will be decided in an original 11-part series aired in November on UKTV Food which will feature eight finalists going head to head to impress a panel of judges, headed by Gary Rhodes.

‘KEEP IT LOCAL’ SEASON
A special season of programming will be created around the Keeping It Local theme. Watch UKTV Food for a feast of viewing, which includes the Heaven’s Kitchen series, fronted by Mike Robinson, James Martin Digs Deep, and the Local Food Heroes 2006 series. There is also plenty more action with the famed Jimmy’s Farm series too. The season will start at the beginning of October and ends with the Local Food Heroes 2006 series. In addition, short clips of nominees will be available on www.uktvfood.co.uk, and a selection broadcast on Great Food Live, UKTV’s daily flagship show. Across the channel, clips of nominees will be incorporated into 30 second promotional trails, from 3 July until 21 August, shown on all UKTV’s lifestyle channels.

THE PRIZE - YOUR WISH IS GRANTED!
As well as the title, the winner receives a prize which promises to plough money back into local businesses and the community. Each shortlisted nominee names one thing that will make a massive difference to their business - perhaps a farm shop refurbishment, marketing campaign, new kitchens or operational facilities. For the ultimate winner of the series, their dream wish is granted.

Local Food Heroes will be ...
passionate for their craft and career, take pride in being part of a local community, value their customers and make a difference to people’s daily lives.  They will be judged on how well they provide top quality, local and regionally sourced food while having respect for the land. Sound business practice will also be a factor.
You can be nominated by customers - or you can nominate yourself!