SHOPPERS at Sainsbury's in Stratton got a pleasant surprise when they were handed free organic produce.

The gesture of generosity came courtesy of Eastbrook Farm in Bishopstone, near Swindon, who dished out bags of bacon, sausages, carrots and potatoes from the back of a tractor and trailer.

The idea was to say thank you to shoppers who continue to support British farming despite the many crises and disputes of the past decade.

Helen Browning, 40, director of Eastbrook Farm, said: "This is just about saying a big thank you for all the support shown towards us.

"We want to hear from the public exactly what they want from us farmers. Without the support from the public we would not be in business.

"I want people to learn a lot more about how food is produced and the way the countryside is managed it's not all about stand-offs and being belligerent."

Eastbrook Farm is one of the most successful organic farms in the country, employing 25 people on 1,300 acres.

Only traditional farming methods such as field rotation are used to rear livestock and grow produce.