Orkney did it again at the Bath and West Show. In its third attendance at this Somerset event, the Orkney Village became the first ever winner of a new trophy for ‘Best Feature Stand'.

In addition, Orkney Cheese beat over 600 entries to lift first prize in the mild cheddar class.

John Clarke of Orkney the Brand said, "Orkney has done it again. We beat both Wiltshire and Somerset, so we have really been punching above our weight."

The Orkney Village won ‘Best Non-Agricultural Trade Stand' at the Bath and West at the first time of asking, in 2005, and Mr Clarke said that several other counties and companies had copied the idea in 2006, when around half-a-dozen similar ideas appeared. This year, the organisers found out that there were to be nine or 10 group formats, so they created a new category, called ‘Feature Stand' and Orkney won, thanks not only to the top quality produce and the welcoming stand layout, but to the friendliness of the people manning the stands and the general ambience of the village.

Torrential rain fell for the first two days of the show this year, but the Orkney seafood bar sold out most days. The ‘Made in Orkney' gallery and the crab shucking demonstrations by retired fishmonger, and popular musician and story teller, Billy Jolly, were real attractions.

The firms which took part this year were Taste of Orkney, Orkney Cheese, Island Smokery, Orkney Fishermen's Society, Orkney Fine Foods, Highland Park, Highland Brewery, Orkney Hand Crafted Furniture, Britt Harcus, Hume Sweet Hume, Essence of Orkney, Sarah Lynch, Kirsteen Stewart, Visit Orkney and Northlink.

Live entertainment was again provided by one of Orkney's leading folk bands, Hullion. It was their third year with the Orkney Village at the Royal Bath and West and over the years they have made many good friends, often playing impromptu evening sessions for the locals in nearby pubs after they have finished at the show.