A VILLAGE'S bargain-priced healthy eating scheme is proving a big success, with 204 bags of fresh produce sold in the latest week.

Residents have been hurrying to buy supplies of fruit, vegetables and salad at £2-a-bag in the community centre at Cockfield, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

The results are so successful a similar community co-operative service is to be launched in the nearby village of Evenwood on April 29.

Danielle Barnes, community development worker for both villages, said: "I am absolutely delighted at the way families have welcomed the project right from the start."

The produce is bought at wholesale prices from local suppliers and then packed by volunteers who take turns staffing a stall at the community centre.

In the first week they sold 111 bags, in the second the figure went up to 186 bags and in the latest week, the third, they sold 83 bags of fruit, 72 of vegetables and 49 of salads, which all would have cost much more than £2 if bought from shops.

"In the fruit bags we put 1lb of grapes, four oranges, four green apples, three red apples, three pears, three kiwi fruits and a hand of bananas. I think that lot would have cost at least £4 normally," said Ms Barnes.

"The vegetable and salad bags were also at good bargain prices.

"The variety in the bags will vary each week depending on the season and supply, but they will all amount to a really good buy."

The sales counter is open every Friday from 1pm to 2.30pm. Orders can be sent to Julie Ferry, on (01388) 718636, by Wednesday evening.

Organisers say the idea is to encourage the eating of good healthy food at prices families could afford.

The scheme is backed by Durham Rural Community Council and Rural Regeneration Unit. Healthy eating cookery classes are also being planned.

Councillor Raymond Gibson, of Teesdale District Council and a resident of Evenwood, said: "The fresh food project is excellent and I'm delighted that it is being extended into our village.

"Volunteers have already come forward to help run it in our community centre.

"Local shops have been contacted and they have no objection as they don't usually sell much fruit, vegetables or salad produce."

The Evenwood counter will be open from 10am to noon on Thursdays. Orders can be sent to Jackie Dodds, on (01388) 833470, by Tuesday evening.