A Bristol cafe run by the same family since 1964 has made it into the regional final of the Market Kitchen Local Food Heroes Awards 2009.

The Monte Carlo cafe, in Stapleton Road, Eastville, is up against a farm shop in Exeter and chocolate manufacturer in Swanage in the South West finals of the competition.

The awards, which aim to reward businesses which are passionate about their craft, customers, and community, have been running since 2006 and are organised by Market Garden, a programme on television channel Good Food.

A panel of expert judges will now decide which establishment will take the regional title, and also the chance of winning the national title and £5,000 in prize money.

Samantha Hadjiantoni, who runs the cafe with her husband Alex, said the Monte Carlo had done well in the competition so far because it had received so many votes from its loyal customers.

Market Kitchen presenters Matt Tebbutt and Matthew Fort are due to visit the cafe on Tuesday (Oct 6) for filming before judging takes place.

Mrs Hadjiantoni said: "The cameras will be here and the judges will be looking at the ingredients we use and will be talking to customers. It's a big thing for us.

"There is a £5,000 prize fund and the winner must spend the money on the business. We've decided to buy a new coffee machine if we win because the old steamer we use at the moment is as old as the cafe.

"If we win, we will also get lots of coverage on the television. It's so cool that all our customers have voted for us."

Judges will select one winner from each region as well as selecting the overall national champion by the end of October.