PRODUCERS of food, drink and crafts from across the dales attended the launch of an initiative designed to promote their produce.

Yesterday's Taste of Teesdale and Weardale event, at the Morritt Arms, Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, was also attended by local accommodation providers, restaurants, schools and other food retailers.

Nearly 20 producers ran stalls and visitors were also given a cookery demonstration using local products by Simon Walsh, head chef at the Morritt Arms.

The event was part of the Local Food and Produce Initiative, organised by Teesdale Marketing, with help from Teesdale and Wear Valley district councils.

Hazel Coppack, of Teesdale Marketing, said: "The initiative is about making people aware of what produce and products are available, as well as making contacts between suppliers and potential customers.

"There's a real mix of people coming along to this.

"We have published the first edition of a directory, which already has 27 producers in, and we have also got a Made in the Dale logo, which producers and also retailers can display."