A PANEL of food experts has been created to help cafes, pubs and restaurants in the north Pennine dales get the most out of local food.

The team of five restaurateurs, chefs and food experts will help with ideas about developing menus, sourcing local produce, food preparation and presentation skills.

The Food Doctors are James Burton, Bill Oldfield, Phil Leverington, Liz Curry and Peter Haynes and they will be paired with eateries as a mentor.

The scheme has been developed by the Love Food Project, which supports the production and use of locally-grown or reared food.

It will be offered through the South Durham Enterprise Agency, which is acting as a partner for the scheme.

For details, call 01388-776688 or email steven@theenter priseagency.co.uk