A WEST Devon farm shop received national recognition recently for its commitment to selling home-made and locally sourced food.

Lifton Strawberry Fields Farm Shop was awarded the 'Own and Local' award from the National Farmers' Retail and Markets' Association (FARMA) at a ceremony in Dorset as part of the farm diversification event, Farm and More 2011.

Judges commented on the farm shop's 'infectious commitment to sourcing almost everything sold in the shop from either their own farm and kitchens, or from Devon and Cornwall. 'The whole team of superb staff is dedicated to producing and selling really high quality products which they are justifiably proud of.'

Already a 2008 FARMA award winner, the business started out with a pick-your-own farm in the 1980s and owners Roger and Jo Mounce began selling their produce from a wheelbarrow in the village at the end of the PYO season.

They recognised a need for fresh produce in the region and the idea of a farm shop was seeded. In 2002, planning permission was granted for a shop based on using as much of the farm's produce as possible.

Almost ten years on, the business has expanded to include a restaurant capable of holding functions and weddings.

Jo Mounce said: 'We pride ourselves on offering the very best produce, home-grown and home-made where possible, and local thereafter. It's an ethos that has been with us since the beginning and which permeates every part of the business, from butchery and bakery to restaurant and pick-your-own.'