ESPRESSO coffee ice cream and fresh lemon sorbet created by a local firm have both won top marks in a nationwide taste test.

Nearly 5,000 different products were entered in the Great Taste Awards from which judges picked just 83 for a three-star rating.

Hadley’s Dairy Products, based at Colne Engaine, picked up three-stars for its espresso ice cream and its lemon sorbet, along with four single stars for other products.

Owner Jane Hadley said: “It’s a fantastic result. I’ve got four fantastic staff who are dedicated to making the best possible products we can.”

Other local successes included Bradwell-based Daily Grind Imports, two of whose teas won one star. Rhubarb, orange and tangerine marmalades, and cognac butter all made by Tiptree-based Thursday Cottage, won single stars, as did sausages and bacon from Wicks Manor, Tolleshunt Major.

Other one star winners included sea salt and Aspall Cyder vinegar crisps made by Wormingford’s Fairfield Farm Crisps, mango frozen yoghurt from Margaret’s Frozen Luxuries in Earls Colne and chocolate brownies, made in Woodham Mortimer by Daizylake.