TWELVE cafes across Blackburn have won awards for their high standards and dedication to local produce.

Traders said the news was a boost to the town’s growing “cafe culture” after they received Taste Lancashire Quality Assured accreditation.

The winners are a variety of independent coffee shops, delis and even chip shops situated across the town.

The list includes Blackburn Cathedral’s Café in the Crypt, the East Lancashire Deaf Society-run vegetarian café V Fresh and three cafes in Blackburn Market.

Chris Appleby, the market traders’ representative on Blackburn Town Centre Partnership said: “The quality of the town’s food scene has been on the rise for years, and these awards show that this has been achieved through a focus on local talent.

“Locally sourced produce is a hugely important factor in the appeal of many places in Blackburn.”

Andrea Holden, manager of King Street’s V Fresh Cafe, said: “I was delighted to receive this recognition because I have put my all into the menu and training the staff, who I’m really proud of.”