A VENISON farmer has seen sales soar by up to 75 per cent and is due to supply its meat to supermarket group Sainsbury's.

Holme Farmed Venison, based in Sherburn in Elmet, between Tadcaster and Selby, North Yorkshire, has seen turnover increase week-on-week since last September and in the past six months has created eight jobs.

Managing director, Nigel Sampson, said: "Sales increased by around 20 per cent in September then grew by 50 per cent in December. This trend continued in January and we have seen sales increases peak at 75 per cent.

"We have also seen the number of units we supply rise by 11,000, which is really encouraging."

Holme Farmed Venison is already available through Waitrose, Asda and Booths stores, as well as farm shops, restaurants and mail order.

The firm, which employs about 20 people, has signed a contract with Sainsbury's to supply venison through its stores from next month.

"This success has meant that we are looking for more suppliers. We already use meat from 60 deer farms across the UK, many of which are in the North-East," said Mr Sampson.

"This up-turn in sales volume reflects the growing awareness of venison as part of a very healthy diet. Venison is the lowest fat red meat."