MORE than 40 local food producers showcased their fresh meat, cheese, chutneys and jams at the annual Meet The Buyers event, held at the Hatherleigh Community Centre last Friday.

The event was held as part of West Devon's Food Fortnight and leads up to Tavistock Food Festival, being held this weekend at Morwellham Quay.

West Devon deputy mayor Cllr John Hockridge opened the show, which saw the public savour, taste or buy the vast array of products on display.

The event was a great opportunity to chat to food producers and get to know exactly where local food comes from, as well as saving on food miles by supporting local businesses.

Also on offer to tempt the palate was a selection of home-made breads, cakes and pastries, succulent sides of beef, pork, lamb and venison, home-made sausages, organic burgers, pates, pies and a hog roast.

Sarah Brennan, of the 'Field of Dreams' sustainable project, said: 'It was a great day, and really busy, considering Hatherleigh is such a small town.'

A second Meet The Buyer event is to be held at the Two Bridges Hotel near Princetown on October 29, as part of the Devon Celebration of Food.

The free event, open to public and commercial buyers, is especially useful for B&Bs, hotels and restaurants looking to source new, local products for their menus.

Both events have been organised by Food and Drink Devon, who offer businesses support and training opportunities to small scale local food and drink producers throughout Devon.