A SMALL Teesdale food company is a hive of activity after winning a contract to supply honey to a £1.5m spa in County Durham.

Tees View Fine Foods, of Gainford, between Barnard Castle and Darlington, will supply heather honey for facial products, and wild flower honey for use in teas and cakes at The Garage Spa, at the Morritt Country House Hotel, near Barnard Castle.

The spa, which opens at the end of next month, has committed to using as much local produce as possible and chose Tees View because of its proximity – six miles away – and the high quality of its honey.

Barbara Johnson, owner of the hotel and spa, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to use really good quality local goods.

“The spa products will have a luxurious feel and we needed very special honey to make it work, which we have found at Tees View.

“We will also be using their wild flower honey for the teas and cakes we will be serving in the spa.’ Tim Madgwick, director of Tees View, said: “We are a young company, only having started earlier this year, and my fellow director, Helen Deakin, and I are very pleased to be working with the spa and the Morritt.

“We’re very grateful for the support of a very credible existing local business.”

Tim explained that their ten hives were all located locally. Some hives are taken to Bowes Moor to produce the premium heather honey, whereas the wildflower honey – which is lighter in colour – is collected from within a three-mile radius.

Tees View also produces lamb and free range eggs from hens and quails.

“The Garage will be a quintessential English spa with lots of character,” says Barbara. “It has been designed to make the most of its history and location, with the spa spilling out into the outdoor space, which means visitors can relax and enjoy, whatever the weather. It will have a natural and rural feel, which is why this local, quality honey fits so well into our ethos.’ The spa has created a classic “MOT facial”, made by in-house therapists, and including the best local ingredients, adds Barbara. “The magic ingredient is Tees View honey, which is known for its anti-oxidant, moisture-retaining and age-defying properties.”