WHETHER you are an advocate of the Atkin's Diet, the F-Plan, or simply believe a little of what you fancy does you good, one thing remains true - breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Whatever the dietary flavour of the week, there is no escaping the fact that a hearty breakfast kick-starts the day. Not only does it improve concentration and performance at work or school; it also staves off mid-morning visits to the vending machine.

Deciding what's for breakfast is the first thought to enter my head as the alarm shrieks me awake. So who better to send along to sample the best breakfast in Worcestershire?

Tucked away in the picturesque Droitwich countryside, Phepson Farm is a cosy 17th century oak-beamed home and guesthouse.

"You haven't eaten breakfast, have you?" enquired Tricia Havard, who along with husband David runs the Himbleton business. I certainly had not. I had gone into starvation mode in preparation for the big event and my tummy had started gurgling.

Earlier this month, Phepson Farm won the best breakfast in the county award in a competition sponsored by Heart of England Fine Foods, promoting locally produced and prepared food.

My feast began with some home made yoghurt and a portion of fruit compote, rich with late summer produce. The fruit mixture is a new recipe Tricia developed for the competition with blackberries and damsons from her farm and locally grown pears.

Had my tummy allowed it, I could have tucked into a buffet cart packed with locally produced bread, home made jams and marmalade, double Worcester cheese, cereals, muesli and a selection of fruits.

But, I had bigger things to come and after a moment to contemplate my sumptuous starter I was presented with the full works. A plate brimming with sausages, bacon, tomatoes, eggs and fried bread, this was the traditional English breakfast at it's very best.

"The pork sausages and bacon are from Teme Vale, in Worcestershire," beamed Tricia. "And the tomatoes and eggs are home produce, while we get the bread from Quality Crust in Droitwich every day."

Savouring my delicious breakfast, washed down with fresh coffee and orange juice, I could see why the farmhouse had received this prestigious accolade. This is something special.

With a happy tummy I left Phepson Farm knowing I had started my day in the best way possible. In fact, I don't think I will ever eat again...!

The couple have run the B&B for more than 20 years. They found out they had won at a ceremony at Grafton Manor Hotel in Bromsgrove. They were presented with a glass award and plaque, which takes pride of place at the front door. They will also enjoy a cash prize stumped up by Advantage West Midlands. To book, call Phepson Farm on 01905 391205.