The UK's food "Oscars" have been won by a number of top companies from across the South Hams.

Several of the area's independent food and drink businesses have been crowned as the best in the industry at this year's coveted Great Taste Awards.

The Cottage Kitchen, a cake-making firm based in Churchstow, scooped two prizes - two stars for its carrot cake and one star for its almond and raspberry tart.

Company owner Nicola Barlow said she was "thrilled" with the awards.

The Cottage Kitchen, which employs seven staff, prides itself in making a large selection of handmade cakes, desserts and quiches using only fresh ingredients and no artificial additives or preservatives.

Red Earth Kitchen, meanwhile, picked up one star for its sticky ginger and banana pudding.

Virginia Marshall, partner at Red Earth Kitchen, said: "We are chuffed to bits with the awards.

"Winning a Great Taste Award recognises the hard work and dedication that goes into making our meals and it makes us hugely proud to be recognised for it."

Red Earth Kitchen is based in South Hams Business Park in Churchstow. The firm also runs an impressive delicatessen and cafe in Duke Street, Kingsbridge.

The deli sells a large selection of cheese, charcuterie, Red Earth Kitchen gourmet meals, homemade dips and pates, olives and antipasti along with other fine quality artisan products.

Red Earth's wide range of ready meals are available at its deli and other food stores across Devon.

The company also provides a home delivery service.

Loddiswell-based Mike's Smokehouse also landed a one star at the 2008 Great Taste Awards.

The family-run firm scooped the accolade for its hot-roast smoked salmon.

The Great Taste Awards, organised by Guild of Fine Food, are regarded by many in the industry as the UK's largest independent evaluation of fine food and drink.

This year nearly 4,800 foods were blind tasted by more than 400 experts during a full week in London, days in Winchester and nine days in the Guild's test kitchens in Somerset.

Eight hundred products were recommended for gold and were judged a second and a third time in London's Pillar Hall before each was graded as either a one-star, two-star or coveted three-star gold.