FOOD and drink producers will have chance to show off their produce at a Worcester-shire food fair this summer.

More than 1,000 visitors are expected to attend the first Food Fair at Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich, and the National Trust is calling for local producers and suppliers to take part. The event will take place in June, against the backdrop of the historic house, an 18th Century William and Mary-style mansion.

It is inspired by the trust's national Plot to Plate initiative, a programme of workshops and events, encouraging visitors to National Trust properties to learn about the history and distinctiveness of British food.

As part of the programme, a lecture lunch on bees, bee-keeping and honey is due to be held at Hanbury Hall on Wednesday, May 17.

The Hall has its own beehives, vegetable garden, orangery, orchard and mushroom house dating from 1860. Food grown there is used in season and sold in the tea-room.

Other local producers are now being encouraged to take up a pitch in the grounds. Visitor services manager Rebecca White said: "The Food Fair will be a celebration of the variety and high standard of food and drink available throughout Worcester-shire and the West Midlands. We want to hear from producers and suppliers from all over the region. This is something we hope to establish as an annual event."

The Fair will run from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11. To exhibit, call 01527 821214.

Rebecca White on