Welcome to the Carol Trewin Young Food Writers Award 2013 This special award aims to encourage and support a new generation of aspiring young food writers living, working in or connected with the West Country, under the age of 35. The award is in memory of Carol Trewin, the much loved and respected Food and Farming Editor of The Western Morning News, a BBC presenter, broadcaster and producer, and the author of three books, including the acclaimed posthumous publication, ‘The Devon Food Book’. Carol believed strongly that food should be ‘good, clean and fair’ and she worked to promote this in her writings and work. She believed that it was important for young people to know where food comes from and the realities of the food chain. The aim of the Carol Trewin Young Food Writers Award is to encourage and support a new generation of aspiring young food writers who are living, working or connected with the West Country. Carol believed passionately that the ability to write well about food is extremely important because it strengthens the link between the producers and growers, and the consumers. Good food writing helps us to connect us all with the nutritious, daily, energy-giving sustenance that we all depend on to survive. Through magazines, books, blogs and newspapers, food writing helps people to choose what to eat - when, how, and why. “Food journalism is an important part of our culture. There is no better example of this then Carol Trewin’s work. It is important that we encourage and nurture future generations of food writers and this competition does exactly that.” Michael Caines MBE, executive chef at 2-star Michelin Gidleigh Park The Carol Trewin Young Food Writers Award is grateful for the support of the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink which is providing a first prize of £500 as well as giving all shortlistees VIP tickets to this year's Festival. The winning entry will be published in the Western Morning News. Are you an aspiring young food writer? Why do you eat what you do? Who has taught you this? Who or what influences where you shop for food? Do you know what goes into your food on the farm or in the factory? Do you know where your food comes from? In the West Country we are lucky to have a fabulous and rich abundance of quality producers and growers. With greater awareness of both food and our local region comes a new need to celebrate and write about this! That is where you come in. Think you’ve got what it takes to be a good food writer? 35 years or under and up for a challenge? Then click here to find out more... "The Carol Trewin Food Writers Award was a great experience and I would encourage anyone with an interest in food and writing to apply...The knowledge and connections gained during the experience helped me to explore my interests around food writing and to define what I would like to pursue in my professional future." Megan Saunders, Carol Trewin Young Food Writers Award winner 2011 Carol Trewin The award is overseen by West Country author and publisher James Crowden, and food, wine and travel author and journalist Marc Millon, in association with the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink and The Western Morning News, which will publish the winning entry. The 2013 award coordinator is Nell Crowden.