Norwich-based snack producer Kettle Foods has donated £1,000 to help a small business develop into a fully-fledged firm.

The EDP Top100 company has given the cash sum to Essence Foods in Reepham after it won a mentoring prize at this year's North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival.

The award is offered by Kettle Foods to help stall holders at the festival take the next step towards growing their business.

Dominic Lowe, managing director of the Bowthorpe-based firm, which makes Kettle Crisps, said: 'We are extremely pleased to support a local business that shares our passion for real foods and quality ingredients. Essence Foods produces a wonderful range of unique products. As such they remind us of our roots as a small business and we look forward to seeing them continue to flourish and grow in the future.'

Sarah Savage launched Essence Foods in 2005 to produce a range of high fruit jams, marmalades and relishes, using quality ingredients combined with herbs, flowers and spices.

Last year, they became the first company in the UK to launch sparkle dusts for decorating puddings and cakes. Its products are available at independent fine food outlets and local Waitrose stores.

During her visit to Kettle Foods, she was presented with a cheque, spent time with members of the Kettle Foods team and to got advice on growing her business and facing the challenges. She said 'The cheque for £1,000 will be extremely useful to the business and the mentoring support has been so beneficial. To get an impartial overview of Essence Foods, the brand and its potential has helped me put together a clear strategy for the future and also reinvigorated my passion for our products.'