A NEW "food chain" which could safeguard village stores by encouraging people to shop on their door-step was given a top level launch.

Government minister and North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong backed the Local Food Links Initiative in Weardale, which brings together farmers and growers and an independent chain of Co-op branches.

The project aims to stimulate the dale's fragile economy by presenting farmers with a ready-made market and boosting trade in the five stores run by the Stanhope and Weardale Co-operative Society.

It was coordinated by farmer's wife Ann Emerson, of Frosterley, who was appointed by a range of agencies after a study of rural services raised fears about the future of County Durham's country shops.

Ms Armstrong said: "The pressures on farming are really great. People are driving past local services and that makes them very vulnerable. We want people to come not only to appreciate the beauty of Weardale, but also the quality of what is produced here."

Co-op secretary Beverley Raper, said: "It's vital that people realise they must support their local shops if the want them to be around in the years to come."

The Countryside Agency backed the scheme with £2,000 from the project fund of the North Pennines Partnership.

The agency's regional director, Keith Buchanan, said: "By strengthening connections between consumers and producers and encouraging farmers to diversify, the Countryside Agency hopes to stimulate the market for local products - both food and non-food."