15314/04You just can't beat home-grown produce that's the message of a new initiative soon to be launched in Wootton Bassett.

The initiative, called 'made in the Wootton Bassett area', aims to raise awareness of local producers and to encourage retailers and the public to buy from local suppliers.

Pupils at Wootton Bassett School are to design a logo for the project which is being run by North Wiltshire District Council, which has already successfully implemented similar projects in Malmesbury, Corsham and Calne.

The project will include the production of 1,000 booklets listing information about local producers.

District and town councillor Olivia Thomas said: "I shop locally wherever possible and I have come to appreciate the huge amount of things that are on offer in our own area and I would encourage others to do the same.

"There are lots of people who work out of their own homes and garages, producing crafts and foodstuffs, and by promoting these things we can also maintain our own identity without having to cross the boundary into Swindon."

The project, which is expected to be launched this summer, will follow the tried and tested approach used for Corsham's launch in 2003.

The free booklets will include the types of produce being sold, a brief history of the business and contact details. The booklets will be distributed in shops, pubs and other places of local interest and will be supported by window stickers and fridge magnets to increase awareness of the project.

Regeneration officer at North Wiltshire District Council Damian Wood said: "The project's all about getting people to buy locally and raising the profile of what's actually made in the Wootton Bassett area.

"We've had very good feedback from other towns where this has been implemented and we're currently working with the graphics team at the Wootton Bassett School to get the students to design the logo brand for the project."

The news has been met with favour from local producers and Brian Taylor, president of the Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce, believes the project will provide a boost for local businesses.

Mr Taylor said: "I like to think that it will be the best of Wootton Bassett and will show people exactly how much is being produced in our marvellous little town.

"We've got plenty of trading estates and I'm forever finding new things that at made here in Bassett and I'd urge all of those people to make sure that they're included on the list when the time comes."

Mark Stanton, and his wife Lorraine, sell home grown beef products from their home at Vowley Farm, Binknoll Lane.

Mr Stanton said: "It's not unusual to have people saying that they didn't know we were here when they first visit us, but I don't think that's particularly surprising.

"I think this sounds like a good idea because there isn't a lot of information about local producers so this should be helpful."

The project is expected to cost up to £2,000 which will be funded by the North Wiltshire District Council's employment support budget.

Councillors Olivia Thomas and Chris Wannell will liaise with the district council's regeneration officer Damian Wood to help identify local producers and plan the project.