A PIONEERING food trail which aims to put the Ribble Valley on the map has been officially launched.

Thirty-six restaurants and food producers from the area are featured in the trail, which is expected to attract foodies from all over the country.

Ribble Valley Mayor, Coun John Hill, said: “This is a marvellous partnership which will really help to put the area on the map.

“There is so much quality in all areas of food in the Ribble Valley and it is important that we shout about it.

“It is particularly important that we launch the Ribble Valley Food Trail now when people are so much more aware about getting quality and value for money with their food.”

At the launch in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle yesterday, Coun Hill cut a special cake iced with the food trail map, which had been baked by Tina Heron of Tina’s Corner Bakery in Longridge.

Entertainment was provided by members of the Swing Commanders and samples of food from producers involved in the food trail were handed out to shoppers.

Already 10,000 copies of the food trail brochure , which includes a map of the area showing the locations of the estab-lishments which are part of the trail, have been sent out.

And a further 4,000 requests have been received for information by Ribble Valley Council which has devised the scheme in conjunction with the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board and the North West Regional Development Agency.

Mike Wilkinson, chief executive of the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, said: “The RIbble Valley has so much to offer and this is an excellent way to highlight the quality that exists in the area.”

The food trail forms part of Taste Lancashire 2008, a year of events being co-ordinated by the tourist board to promote the county’s producers and fine foods.

Ribble Valley council leader, Coun Michael Ranson said: “Ribble Valley conjures up images of quaint villages and stunning countryside but it is also the home to some of Lancashire’s best produce.

“The Ribble Valley Food Trail aims to put the spotlight on the area’s food producers and restaurateurs who worked hard to bring us some of the best food and drink that Lancashire has to offer.

“It is also part of Ribble Valley’s ongoing recovery from the food and mouth epidemic in 2001 and my congratulations go to everyone concerned with this excellent project.”

The food trail was compiled by an independent panel of food and tourism experts.

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