A TOP chef has called on shoppers to support local producers in a bid to boost the rural economy following foot and mouth outbreak.

Nigel Haworth spoke out following a sell-out food and wine festival at his award-winning Northcote Manor in Langho.

The week-long festival attracted top international chefs in a series of showcase dinners that attracted diners from throughout the North West.

Among them were Neil Wigglesworth, executive chef at Twin Farms in Vermont, USA, described as the best hotel in the world.

Neil grew up in Accrington and ran Tiffany's Restaurant in Great Harwood for several years.

His sell-out Saturday night dinner included heather-fed Bowland lamb and souffle cooked from locally-produced Lancashire cheese.

Now Nigel, who met Neil at Accrington Catering College, is calling on shoppers to get behind local farmers and growers.

"Diners came to the festival from throughout the North West and it was a sell-out.

"I always try to source foodstuffs locally and feel the link between farmers and customers could be much improved. We are trying to get back to village life, when everyone knew where to source the best foodstuffs.

"The British public and East Lancashire consumers need to get behind local producers, if the rural economy is to have a viable future."

Northcote Manor, established by 45-year-old Nigel with wine connoisseur Craig Bancroft in 1983, buys its meat from Bowland Forest Foods.

The 26-farm cooperative based at the Duke of Westminster's Abbeystead Estate in the Forest of Bowland was established in 2000. It links local farmers, auction marts and meat processors in a bid to develop and market beef and lamb products from the Bowland area.

Prince Charles recently sampled beef produced by the cooperative and cooked by Nigel during a visit to the Ribble Valley.

Nigel added: "I'm calling on local producers to dig deeper and get back to their roots, so that shoppers can get everything they want locally and know that the goods are the best quality. At the same time, shoppers need to support local producers in this crucial time of economic recovery for agriculture."

Clitheroe Auction Mart has picked itself up after foot and mouth outbreak up by holding weekly farmers' markets, which attract shoppers from throughout the North West looking to buy quality goods direct from producers.

Managing auctioneer John Swingler said: "The markets are held every fortnight and sell everything from ostrich meat and cheese to preserves and yoghurt.

"They are proving a great success and are very popular. We hope to expand them over the coming months."