THE best produce the region has to offer is now available by mail-order thanks to an innovative new scheme.

Heart of England Fine Foods has launched HEFF-by-Post, a glossy, full-colour catalogue packed with delicious food and drink products all made or grown locally in the area.

Suppliers listed in the catalogue can supply one-off items or whole hampers of foodstuffs, direct to customers' homes.

Products include English wine, handmade farmhouse cheeses and rare-breed meats.

"Many of our producers are small-scale or family-run businesses, without the back-up of an on-site retail outlet," said Karen Davies, chief executive of HEFF.

"They make all their products to order in individual batches. Mail-order suits many of them, as products are ordered in advance or on a regular basis.

"It is also a chance to expand sales to other parts of the country, without distribution agents."

HEFF-by-Post has been launched to coincide with British Food Fortnight, which runs until Sunday, November 10.

Mrs Davies said the products, which can be delivered to any UK address, would make original gifts.

"What could be better than sitting in the comfort of your own home, cup or glass in hand, browsing through these mouth-watering food and drink products?

For copies of HEFF-by-Post, phone 01746 785185.