THORNBURY shoppers will now find it much easier to save food miles and get their hands on locally grown produce.

Thornbury Chamber of Commerce has recently launched a Shop in a Box Scheme.

The scheme is similar to a vegetable box scheme but includes produce such as meats, pies and pasties, bakery, fruit and vegetables, dairy and ice cream, preserves, pickles, jams, pasta and beverages from a variety of local suppliers.

It was started in response to the success of the new quarterly food fairs that began in Thornbury last year.

Rowena Moncrieffe, chairman of Thornbury Chamber of Commerce, said: "We set it up because people were starting to ask where could they get these products when the food fair wasn't on.

"A lot of the producers were also interested in having a shop but couldn't afford to.

"This scheme will allow the producers to maintain contact with their customers and also give shoppers access to local produce supporting local suppliers."

All of the producers involved in the scheme are either involved in Thornbury's Farmers' Markets or the quarterly food fairs that are held in the town. Local producers include Powells of Olveston, Lucy’s dairy, Hobbs House, and Perry and Son Butchers.

A special website has also been set up for the scheme.

"People can either place their order online or they can come into us at Bonds at the beginning of the week.

"The order is then available for collection on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and for a small fee we can deliver it for them," said Ms Moncrieffe.

She added: "The real purpose of the scheme is to support local producers and help the environment by reducing food miles. We want this to work in conjunction with the shops that already exist in the town and support the community as a whole."

For more information about the scheme or to place an order visit www.thornburyfairfoods.co.uk