A group which promotes Macclesfield producers has launched a new service to help residents buy local.

Food4Macc is a charitable organisation promoting the local production and consumption of food as a way of reducing food miles.

Now it has launched a new collection service – Food4MaccDirect – for food from local farms and producers.

Residents can pick up their pre-ordered produce on Thursday evenings at pick-up pints on Chestergate, Broken Cross, Bollington or Langley.

It aims to make it easier for everyone to buy fresh, nutritious and affordable food from trusted farmers and producers.

Debbie Townsend, from Food4Macc Direct, said: “We’re now offering more than 80 product lines from 30 local producers, at prices that are competitive with the supermarkets.

“Subscribers and their families are also invited on occasional visits to local producers and farms.

“In previous years we’ve been fortunate to see lambs being born.

“The next step is to look at working more closely with other Macclesfield food businesses, improving the local food offer, and we’re giving consideration to a home delivery service.”

There is a lambing visit to Ladderstile Farm at Bosley on Saturday, April 6. Food4Macc takes part in Gardeners’ Question Time from Jodrell Bank, to be broadcast on Radio 4, at 2pm on Sunday, April 4.

Visit www.food4maccdirect.co.uk for more information.