YORK boasts one of the country’s best Italian delis, according to the judges of a national award.

Via Vecchia, in Shambles, has been awarded a Bertolli Spread Olive D’Oro Award after a national poll put the deli third in the best produce category.

Via Vecchia, the only business in Yorkshire to win an award, is run by chef turned self-taught baker Alistair Lawton, who supplies local restaurants with artisan Italian breads as well as selling fresh baked bread to the public every morning.

Awards ambassador Gennaro Contaldo said: “The winning delis and runners up share Bertolli’s values of quality and authenticity, giving customers a truly Italian experience you don’t get anywhere other than the streets of Italy itself.”