A BEWDLEY shop was pipped at the post for the title of "Best Deli in the Midlands".

The Deli at Bewdley was shortlisted for the BBC Good Food Show accolade after a big vote from customers.

But, after judges from the prestigious award visited the shortlisted stores, the final winner was The Ludlow Food Centre.

The Ludlow store - which is much bigger than Bewdley's deli - was described as "the ultimate food destination in the Midlands".

Chris Thomason, owner of the deli in Load Street, Bewdley, said: "We are still over the moon to have been runner up to such a big store.

"We are chuffed we had so many votes from customers and were the only store shortlisted in Worcestershire."

Mr Thomason said he did not spot judges making mystery purchases in the deli - but BBC Food Show 'Fabulous Food Finds' star Katy Truss did make a visit.

"I don't know if that was part of the judging but she told us we had received a lot of votes from the public and she was surprised how small we are," he added.

"She bought some of our Swifts bread from Clee Hill."

Winner, the Ludlow Food Centre, which boasts a butchery, bakery, deli and units for artisan food producers, now receives a free-of-charge stand at the BBC Good Food Show Winter at Birmingham's NEC from November 27 to 30.