AN award-winning store has celebrated 15 years of dishing up delicious delicacies to discerning food fans.

The Food Company, in Marks Tey, first opened in 2000.

Bosses were worried about the disappearance of independent butchers, fishmongers and bakers from high streets and wanted to create a food lovers’ heaven under one roof.

Angie McGregor and Pat Bacon have worked at the shop since day one, and helped Colchester MP Will Quince mark the anniversary by cutting a cake with founder Leslie Lynch’s son Aaron, who is now company director.

Food suppliers from as far away as Merseyside joined Saturday’s celebrations.

Spokesman Lindsey Gray said: “We’ve had a really fun day. We are proud to be celebrating 15 years as an independent retailer, it is still very much a family business.

“We’ve got some fantastic customers who have been coming in since day one.”

The Food Company also boasts a restaurant, gifts and homeware department.