CONSUMERS are being urged to take positive action to support local producers during British Food Fortnight which continues until November 10.

The Country Land and Business Association has stepped up calls for people to "think local, act local, buy local," in a bid to help re-build rural prosperity.

Association regional director John Mortimer said: "At every event we run we make a point of supplying locally-produced food and we are asking all our members, particularly those involved in the catering and tourist industry, to do the same."

Mr Mortimer said that self-help and traditional community spirit made powerful allies if jointly harnessed to lead a fight-back against the recession affecting food producers.

"We must be seen to be doing our best to support local businesses if we are to persuade the government to support home-grown food production and to encourage the use of locally-grown produce throughout the public sector, he said.

Mr Mortimer said the campaign didn't need to stop at food and explained: "We are urging local people and visitors to the countryside to provide custom in village shops, visit the local pubs, eat in local restaurants, use local manufacturers and services, and, of course, buy locally-produced food. We are urging local people to act locally, to support community councils, village hall committees, youth clubs and local churches, all of which provide valuable focal points of rural life."

He stressed: "Money spent locally benefits the whole community - that is the essential message behind this campaign and it offers a cornerstone upon which we can begin to rebuild a secure and prosperous future for our rural areas."