AN urban farm shop has placed more than £100,000-worth of orders with producers across Yorkshire and the North-East in its first three months of business.

Andrew Loftus opened Weeton's farm shop, off the Stray, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, selling food and drink, more than half of which produced locally.

Since its launch in August, the shop, on West Park, has become the biggest customer for some of its suppliers, which include Loopy Lisa's Fudge, in Butterknowle, County Durham, White Rose Preserves and The Little Chocolate Shop, both in Leyburn.

Mr Loftus, who grew up on a dairy farm, had worked in London for four years before moving to North Yorkshire to set up the business.

He said: "It's fantastic to think that the shop is now not only open, but performing above expectation and achieving what I set out to do, and that's to champion the wonderful food being produced in and around the region. It was a huge gamble, but I was convinced there were enough people out there who felt the same way I did. I want to make shopping a pleasure again and to play my part in supporting British farming."