A MUSTARD produced near Witney has been handed a top prize by the Great Taste Awards.

Oxford Mustard was given a three star rating by the awards, which are run by the Guild of Fine Food.

It means the mustard from Shaken Oak Farm in Hailey will be able to bear the gold and black three star label which denotes a product of supreme flavour.

Bruce Young, the owner and operator of Shaken Oak Farm, said he took absolute care to ensure the best possible products.

Originally a drama teacher, he took over operation of the farm after his wife passed away.

He said: "It’s basically a one-man company.

"I supervise everything from buying the seeds to making the mustard, making sure it’s been cured properly, putting it into jars and putting on the labels, and taking it around to shops, markets and hotels in the area."

Mr Young's products are rarely found outside the Thames Valley and the Cotswolds because he delivers them by hand.

In the interest of protecting the recipe, the farm is in a remote location and allows few visitors.

Mr Young said: "We’re a very small niche business.

"I’m very keen on making sure everything is kept under my control."

Of the 141 products awarded the prestigious three stars, Oxford Mustard was one of five Oxfordshire products to receive the honour.

Spanish food company Delicioso UK, based in Berinsfield, won the award for its pistachio nut oil, walnut oil and almond oil.

Six seed bread flour, produced by Wantage company Wessex Mill, was also successful in the three star category.

This year, there were more 10,000 entries.

The judging team who handed Mr Young his award said: "Oxford Mustard was the best some had tasted, had a perfect level of heat, an interesting herbal and aromatic aroma, wonderful complexity, a gorgeous pop on the mustard grains and a lovely mix of flavour."