A GROUP of young people who set up a business selling home-made jams, biscuits and preserves were presented with the award for the best stand at the Forest Showcase food festival.

The award was the icing on the cake for Oakey Doakey, a group for Forest youngsters who have experienced homelessness, who were selling commercially for the first time at the Showcase which was held in the autumn at the Speech House hotel.

The trade stand competition was judged by Ross-based food writer and cook Lindy Wildsmith.

She said: "There were many excellent stands at the Showcase but Oakey Doakey's really stood out.

"It was very inviting and colourful and the service and products were outstanding."

The group were presented with their best-in-show certificate at the Speech House.

The 2013 Showcase will return to the Speech House on Sunday, October 6 and will include cookery demonstrations, local produce and information on hobbies including bee-keeping and rearing chickens.

The event will also feature the Taste of the Forest awards with sections including best local producer, best drinks producer and the best stall.

The Showcase will also feature a competition to create a Forest of Dean pasty. Details will be posted on the website http://www.forestshowcase.org">www.forestshowcase.org