DURHAM shoppers are to be encouraged to buy local during a two-week celebration of food grown in the area.

The event will be held from Saturday until Sunday, October 29, to coincide with British Food Fortnight.

The aim is to promote the meat, drink, vegetables, dairy products and other produce from small, local producers.

The city has a farmers' market and it will feature a local food day in the city centre, on Saturday, October 8, between 9.30am and 4pm, that will include cookery demonstrations and tastings, live music, children's storytelling and healthy-eating sessions.

There will be a local produce breakfast in the town hall and local food and drink will be available in some cafes, restaurants and pubs.

The fortnight will also include farm visits and "wild food walks", looking for herbs, nuts, mushrooms and berries.

The celebration has been organised by enthusiasts of local food, along with the Durham City Forum and Durham's Local Agenda 21, with funding from the Millennium UnLtd Awards Scheme.

A spokeswoman for the event said: "The aim is to raise awareness of the diverse and delicious food and drink produced in the region and to enthuse people about the health benefits of eating fresh, nutritious, seasonal produce.

"Local food doesn't usually travel miles from the plough to the plate. This means less environmental pollution and more taste.

"When you buy local food, you can talk to the people who grow and produce it and help keep them in business."

Information about the event is in a brochure available from Durham Tourist Information Centre, Millennium Place, Claypath, or call 0191-384 3720, or from the website www.durhamfood.org.uk

, and money and jobs in the community.

"Additionally, cooking and sharing good food, and celebrating the region's rich food and farming heritage, is very enjoyable.''

Information about the event is in a brochure available from Durham Tourist Information Centre, Millennium Place, Claypath (call 0191-384 3720) or from the website www.durhamfood.org.uk