Shropshire is home to world's best marmalade

It's official. Shropshire is home to the best marmalade in the world.

The Three Fruit marmalade produced at Ludlow Food Centre has been named as the winner at the World Marmalade Championships, which were held in Penrith, Cumbria, over the weekend.

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The centre has picked up various gold awards over the past three years in the artisan categories of the awards, but this is the first time the venue has scooped the top prize.

And it is a personal triumph for Darren Marsh and Tess Slater, who make the marmalade. Three years ago they were working behind the deli counter at Ludlow's Tesco store, but they have since been trained up to produce world-class marmalade.

Tom Hunt, marketing manager at Ludlow Food Centre, said: "Our champions are both Shropshire born and bred and they both deserve a pat on the back.

"Shropshire and Ludlow are both making names for themselves by producing the world's best marmalade."

He added the centre would be renewing its contract with event sponsors Fortnum and Mason as a result of their success, meaning they would be continuing to supply marmalade to the firm.