A FOOD distribution service which starts next week will enable struggling producers to get their goods to new markets.

The service, based in Pickering, North Yorkshire, will end supply problems and take the county's finest food to a wider audience.

The innovative project will also help smaller businesses develop by reducing their delivery costs.

After a number of trial runs, Nigel Brotherton will launch his service, Moorsfresh, on Monday.

Supported by a grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), refrigerated vans will make runs across North Yorkshire providing a regular pick-up and delivery service.

Until now, small food producers have had problems delivering their produce to large hoteliers, retailers and restaurants, due to high costs.

The Moorsfresh service aims to remove supply problems by guaranteeing an affordable and regular supply service.

Defra has provided 30 per cent of the company's start-up costs with a £60,000 Rural Enterprise Scheme grant.

Senior economic advisor David Stirling said: "We are committed to ensuring rural communities are viable and sustainable.

"Moorsfresh's grant will benefit rural businesses across North Yorkshire by enabling local produce to be consistently available to a wider audience."

Founder Mr Brotherton said he believed that Defra backed his scheme because it was worthwhile.

"We want to celebrate Yorkshire produce and enable more people to enjoy it," he said.

"Yorkshire has superb produce that doesn't get to the table in the quantities it should."

More than 40 manufacturers and 130 retailers have already signed up for the service, representing some of Yorkshire's finest establishments.

Producers range from relatively well-known producers like Shepherd's Purse Cheeses, through to The Topping Pie Company and Hillam Pork.

Graeme Robinson, who runs Just Puds with his wife Rosemary, in Melmerby, has also joined the service.

He said: "Using Moorsfresh will mean we can expand the business and target more areas."

While Mr Brotherton is concentrating on outlets in North Yorkshire, he hopes that the business will gradually build up and become a countywide service.