The organisers of eat: Festivals, which take place across Devon and the South West, are helping new food and drink businesses make their first steps.

Thatchers Cider has sponsored a bursary, which aims to encourage start-up consider festival trading.

The Thatchers Bursary is for food and drink producers who have not engaged in retail trade before.

The successful business will benefit from a free pitch at the Honiton Gate to Plate festival , which is taking place on August 20. As well as this, there will be support from the organisers throughout the year.

George Havercroft of Haverslice Pizza was the 2021 Bursary Winner. He said: "The Thatchers bursary is a fantastic idea to help introduce small businesses into the food industry.

"Brand awareness, brand placement and brand presence are all instrumental parts to a successful business. This bursary offers just that.

"Money is tight for any small business, let alone through a pandemic, and this bursary makes the 'attending' decision for you.

"A training day on product development was also provided which was really well delivered and had some very interesting information on trends. Overall, a fantastic service provided by a lovely team of people!"

Sarah Milner Simonds, from the Honiton Gate to Plate festival said: "We want local businesses to benefit from the festival.

"By partnering with Thatchers Cider we are able to offer a chance for new businesses to make their first steps into trading.

"We recognise we have an opportunity to assist in developing the skills, abilities and knowledge of all food and drink producers."

Bev Milner Simonds, joint festival organiser said: "We know that COVID-19 has affected every business and some people pivoted or diversified - we also know that there will be some new businesses just starting out.

"The scheme is designed to encourage business start-up and self-employment within the local area."

Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker, talks about supporting the bursary for new traders run by eat:Festivals: "It's always inspiring to see young food businesses entering the market. Here in the West Country we are surrounded by talented producers, many of whom are taking their first steps into the world of trading.

"Beverley and Sarah offer local food and drink traders an incredible platform through their programme of award winning eat:Festivals, and for first-time traders the Thatchers bursary marks the start of many exciting adventures."

Interested businesses need to complete the simple form, which is available here.

Applications for the bursary need to be in before 10 July 2022 and there are 5 bursary places at the Honiton Gate to Plate event on 20 August.