Rural campaigners are launching a new organisation to raise the profile of locally-produced food.

The aim of the East Riding Local Food Network is to link farmers with restaurants and others who could become future customers.

Public interest in local food has really taken off in recent years with the advent of organic produce, farmers' markets and farm shops.

Producers and users of local food are now being invited by the East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Partnership to the launch of the new network.

Chef David Nowell, food and beverage executive at Tickton Grange, near Beverley, said: "This initiative could benefit a lot of people.

"The idea of setting up the network came from the Food Forum, which is one of the steering groups within the rural partnership.

"We want to step up communications between producers and users of local food and also promote how good it is to tourists coming into the region."

Mr Nowell said there was now a fantastic variety of food available, much of it produced by farmers who had diversified into new businesses.

He said: "Our food producers are always coming up with something new, and we now use products from 25 to 30 suppliers in our kitchens.

"I can produce a menu with all the key ingredients from Yorkshire and most of them from within a 12 to 15-mile radius of the restaurant."

The East Riding Local Food Network will be launched at the Ferguson Fawsitt Arms in Walkington, near Beverley, on Tuesday, November 18, from 9.30am to 1pm.

Karen Wood, rural partnership manager, said: "The launch will include a number of presentations on what can be done for local food producers and users, and to get them to sign up as members."

The free event is open to local food producers, retailers, hospitality businesses and all those who provide services to the local food sector.

To reserve a place at the launch, call the rural partnership on (01482) 391706.