A SUPERMARKET is appealing for local food producers to supply their products for its shelves.

Following the success of an earlier regional appeal, the Asda store in Darlington wants to find more home-produced products to sell.

Steve Mckenna, trading team manager, said it was all part of the commitment to supporting the local community.

"We have launched the appeal again because the products have been such a success; the Christmas sales were excellent," he said. "We have quite a varied range at the moment and have 100 lines across the store. Products range from beers, wines and spirits to sausages, ice-cream and pies."

The Darlington store already stocks a number of products from the town, including Acorn Dairy organic milk.

"We are just about to start supplying a new range called Mrs P's biscuits, which are also made in Darlington," said Mr Mckenna.

"Ideally, we need new suppliers who can get products into the stores. We are hoping to attract new business because these lines have been a phenomenal success.

"The sales are going very well. We are taking £1,500 a week on the local lines. The products tend to be a bit more expensive, but they are of the highest quality and it's putting business back into the local area.

"If it's a local product, people also tend to be more loyal to it and some suppliers haven't been able to keep up with the demand."

Other lines come from County Durham, Teesside and Northumberland.

Mr Mckenna said the response from customers had been positive and that the goods are set up in store to show that they are locally produced lines, with packaging relating to the North-East.

There is no limit on company size and potential local suppliers need to fulfil four criteria to be considered:

* the product must have a bar-code;

* minimum technical and food safety standards must be met;

* there is evidence of consumer demand locally;

* suppliers must have a fax machine to receive orders.

There are 20 Asda stores across the North-East selling locally-produced goods. Businesses can contact Mr Mckenna on 01325 373 400.