A SCHEME to produce quality beef in a heritage area is proving a success.

The Hadrian's Wall Beef project, run by the National Trust and the Northern Rock Foundation, helps farmers rear animals in a way that is sensitive to the environment and to market meat locally.

Food outlets across the North-East are already buying the meat, including the Biscuit Factory, in Newcastle and The Angel, in Corbridge.

Ramside Hall, Hardwick Hall and Matfen Hall have also put the beef at the top of their menus.

The beef comes from the Housesteads Aberdeen Angus herd, owned by the Acton family at Bradley Farm, Northumberland. The herd grazes the uplands around Hadrian's Wall on the National Trust's estate.

The animals are slaughtered locally and the meat is hung for three weeks to give it its flavour.

Juliet Rogers, the trust's regeneration officer, said: "We are delighted that such prestigious outlets have chosen to put Hadrian's Wall Beef on the menu.

"The outlets are supporting the Actons in their vital conservation role. After all, it is the grazing of this land that keeps it looking the way it does and attracting tourists."