One of the founding fathers of the Ludlow Food Festival has been commemorated by the setting up of a bursary to help young people build a career in the food and drink industry.

Graeme Kidd, a town councillor and former mayor of Ludlow, died at his home in May last year.

Now festival organisers have set up The Graeme Kidd Memorial Bursary, which aims to enable people aged 16 to 25 to develop their skills, experience and ultimately their career whether as a chef, food and drink producer or at front of house.

The bursary will be awarded to individuals who live within 30 miles of Ludlow who would not otherwise be able to move forward in their career and will make grants of £1,000.

Beth Heath, operations director for the festival, said: “Graeme was a leading member of the Ludlow community, having made the town his home 25 years ago.

“He was mayor of the town for four successive years, leading it during one of the most productive periods in its history and was one of the original, small group of people who hatched the idea of a food festival over 15 years ago.

“It was due, in no small measure, to his input that the festival has remained true to the principle of helping small, local food and drink producers and businesses.”

She added: “It is fitting that the Graeme Kidd Memorial Bursary will financially support the next generation of food producers and workers.”

For more details call (01584) 873957.