THE North-East's food industry received an unlikely boost yesterday when a pantomime cow met a walking beefburger.

The meeting of the costumed characters in Stockton High Street marked the launch of a new Food for Thought business club, run by the food and environmental advice unit of Stockton Borough Council.

The club is open to all local businesses involved in the production, manufacturing and serving of food - at every stage, from farm to fork.

Food for Thought offers food businesses the chance to network with each other and provides advice, information and training on food matters.

Businesses which join the club will benefit from regular newsletters, seminars and forums keeping them up-to-date with topical food issues.

A pantomime cow, representing the farm; a walking beef-burger, fast food outlets; a person in gloves, the food manufacturer; and a nurse, representing nursing home cooks; joined guests in full evening dress at a dining room table, complete with candelabra, in the High Street.

Judith Sunderland, from the food and environmental advice unit, said: "Food for Thought is a recipe for success for all food businesses.

"The club will keep them up-to-date on how to keep companies safe, legal and profitable.

"Food safety is a serious subject, but we aim to make it fun."

Food businesses interested in becoming involved in the business club can get a free information pack by contacting (01642) 391140.