FOOD and drink businesses from Northumberland made it into a compilation of the best gourmet destinations in Europe by a prestigious publisher.

Lonely Planet, a travel guidebook publisher, released its latest food title under the name Gourmet Trails Europe, which features several Northumberland businesses.

The publication includes 40 food and drink itineraries from across Europe. The Northumberland businesses include Northern Wilds, First & Last Brewery and Hjem.

The Gourmet Trails guide said: "The woodlands of Kielder Forest are among the largest in Britain and harbour all manner of delicious wild-growing ingredients from citrusy wood sorrel to chanterelle mushrooms."

Northern Wilds' expert guides Linus Morton and Louise Hepworth help foodie guests to differentiate between the deadly and the edible.

Mr Morton said: "It's wonderful to be included, they put Northumberland on the map and the wild food possibilities here are amazing, there are so many natural resources.

"Everybody should try a Wild Foods event and we have scheduled events throughout the year."

First & Last Brewery is rated for its environmental awareness.

"Family-run, environmentally aware and immersed in the produce and flavours of Northumberland, there's much to like about the First & Last Brewery in the quiet village of Bellingham.

"Their range of unusual and delicious beers draws heavily on native Northumbrian ingredients, many of them gathered from nearby countryside."

First & Last Brewery co-owner, Sam Kelly, said: "We're absolutely over the moon about it, we were overjoyed with it. It's great to see Northumberland featured and the fact they're including us is great news and it's in keeping with our ethos of exploration."

Hjem, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Wall, was recommended for its combination of Nordic and Northumbrian cuisine.

The restaurants' 15-18 course tasting menu, Lonely Planet said, is paired with a selection of high-quality wines in an English pub setting which echoes Scandinavian style.

Other North East businesses featured in Gourmet Trails Europe include Newcastle-based House of Tides, Riley's Fish Shack in Tynemouth, Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival and Alnwick Food Festival.

Gourmet Trails Europe is £17.99 and is available now from major bookstores or from shop.lonelyplanet.com.