New Isleworth deli, Syon, has sailed into the top five of the London area's Gary Rhodes' Local Food Heroes competition.

The UKTV Local Food Hero Awards are a tribute to Britain's independent food business with food lovers nominating the businesses that best demonstrate commitment to producing, selling or serving exceptional food.

Syon has been selected by a panel of judges as being one of the five best candidates in the region.

Tim Zekki, chef and owner of Syon in St John's Road , said: "It's an honour to be selected, and we're especially pleased as we've only been open eight months, and some people thought we were mad to attempt something like this in Isleworth.

"It's been amazing to discover how many foodies there are around here, and the amount of good feedback and support we've received has been great. It's a little shop, but we're shouting loud."

Tim will be demonstrating his skills and local ingredients, by cooking a dish for Gary Rhodes in September, for the final stages of the competition.

The new series of the show will be on air in November on UKTV Food, culminating in a grand final when the Local Food Hero 2008 will be announced and receive their winning cheque for £40,000.