KENT speciality food manufacturer Bennett Opie has been highly commended by the Bramley Apple Campaign Group for one of its most popular products.

The Sittingbourne-based producer has received a Certificate of Excellence for its Kentish Bramley Apple Chutney with Biddenden cider in the Best Savoury Bramley Product category of the annual Brammy Awards.

It was just pipped to the post by a Pork, Cider and Bramley Apple Pie from Lime Tree Pantry, based in Nottinghamshire.

The Brammy Awards, now in their 12th year, are run in association with The Grocer magazine. They are presented to manufacturers and caterers who have made an outstanding contribution to the sales and promotion of Bramley apples during the last year.

Managing director William Opie said: "We’re delighted that our product has been judged excellent by some of the most knowledgeable people in the food industry.

"The chutney has always been a favourite with everyone here."

Kentish Bramley Apple Chutney, is sold under Opies’ Garden of England brand name and can be found in Waitrose, good independent retailers and locally at Macknade Farm Shop in Faversham.