THE Cotswold Food Group, which is dedicated to promoting and marketing the Cotswold region, its producers and their produce, celebrated with a Harvest Banquet at Wyck Hill House Hotel, Stow, last Thursday.

The event, described as "the feast of a lifetime," was a total celebration of local fresh and tasty Cotswold produce, including, said Susanne Austin, founder of the group, Welsh black lamb grazed on conservation land near Moreton and prize-winning fruit juices from Hayles Fruit Farm at Winchcombe.

The group started in a small way with just three producers but in a short space of time had grown to 20 and is still increasing, with members winning top awards at national events.

"We have a fabulous group of people and fabulous produce out there and we need to promote it as much as we can against the cheaper options," said Miss Austin.

She stressed: "We really are quite serious about what we are doing and are beginning to be recognised for it."

Miss Austin said she had a passion and compassion for the countryside and the group was all about celebration, community and commitment to the countryside. Village shops and post offices were disappearing, but the work of the group could help revitalise communities.