A POPULAR TV series has showcased North Yorkshire as a beautiful place to live - and highlighted one of the region's major businesses. 

The county featured on the BBC's Escape to the Country on Tuesday (February 8) which saw host Nikki Chapman take a prospective housebuyer to some stunning properties.

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As part of a bid to find a new £450k home for a retired teacher who had fallen in love with North Yorkshire, the show explored the county and celebrated its food and jobs.

Towns and villages such as Thirsk and Sowerby featured on the show, as well as a spotlight on Bedale firm Heck.

Nikki saw the firm's £100,000 vertical farm unit and learned how the company is reducing food miles by growing its own spinach and basil for its popular vegan range.

The Northern Echo: Nicki Chapman, from BBC's Escape to the Country, visits Heck in North Yorkshire to film the process of their vegan sausages being made, with co-founder Jamie Keeble Picture: Glen MinikinNicki Chapman, from BBC's Escape to the Country, visits Heck in North Yorkshire to film the process of their vegan sausages being made, with co-founder Jamie Keeble Picture: Glen Minikin

The Northern Echo: Nicki Chapman, from BBC's Escape to the Country, in the vertical farm at Heck in North Yorkshire Picture: Glen MinikinNicki Chapman, from BBC's Escape to the Country, in the vertical farm at Heck in North Yorkshire Picture: Glen Minikin

Speaking after the programme aired, Heck co-founder Jamie Keeble said it was a pleasure to welcome Nikki to take a tour.

He said: “It was great to show Nikki around.

"There are some amazing food companies in this area – it’s like a silicon valley of food.

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"And we also work really hard to give the best opportunities to make Heck a fun and flexible place to work.

"It’s hard work making sausages, as Nikki found out, but we make sure our team have the best environment to work in.”

As part of Heck's ongoing sustainable mission, the company has recently included climate labelling on its packaging, so that consumers can base their purchases on how they impact the environment.

 

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