Herefordshire crisp maker is national food runner up

An entrepreneurial Herefordshire farmer who diversified his potato farm into a successful business making crisps has been declared runner up in the NFU's Great British Food Award.

William Chase, of Tyrrells Potato Chips, Stretford Bridge, Leominster, was presented with the runner-up prize by NFU President Tim Bennett at a glittering awards ceremony in London.

As national runner-up, Mr Chase wins £200 and a certificate on top of the £200 he has already gained as West Midlands regional winner.

The awards - sponsored by Sainsburys and BBC Good Food Magazine - are part of the NFU Farming Excellence Awards, which seek to reward best practice and innovation among farmers and growers in six separate categories.

NFU West Midlands regional public relations officer Russell Griffin said: "In little more than 18 months, Mr Chase has created what is rapidly becoming a byword for quality and innovation in the West Midlands food world.

"Tyrrells Potato Chips are renowned for their delicious flavours and their products can be seen on the shelves of some of the country's most exclusive food stores."

Mr Chase had spent 20 years growing and trading potatoes from Tyrrells Court but increasingly difficult market conditions led to him looking for a new venture.

He started by hand frying potato chips with a small fryer and was so encouraged by the results that he set out to create a new business.

He sourced equipment from all over the world, made up sample bags complete with a very strong brand and sent them to selected delicatessens, hotels and restaurants.

Every single one re-ordered and now the Tyrrells customer list exceeds 1900 - and include top names such as Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason, as well as a small bakery in Paris.

Tyrrells now deliver 10,000 packs a week and has branched into a number of different flavours and products including parsnips, mixed root vegetables, beetroot and celeriac.

The company has more than 20 full time members of staff and plans to double its turnover in the next three years, helped by new equipment to produce more exotic chips out of apples, tomatoes and onions.