A GWENT food farm is aiming to be 'the pick of the bunch' after investing in new facilities.

Llanvihangel Crucorney Fruit Farm, near Abergavenny, recently received a £1000 grant from the Kickstart Fund, which run jointly by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Monmouthshire County Council.

The grant will modernise the 46-year-old family business with a playground, new buildings and a coffee shop to attract families and a wide range of visitors.

Claudia Lenza, of Llanvihangel Crucorney farm, said: Pick-your-own was a very popular concept in the 1980s but since the growth of supermarkets most people get their fresh fruit there.

“We have diversified the business to make the farm more of an attraction, particularly for families and this is paying off.”

Andy Morris, manager in Wales for UK Steel Enterprise believes the funds are aimed at “developing businesses which can create jobs and foster a spirit of enterprise”.

He said: “We are delighted to have supported Llanvihangel Crucorney Fruit Farm and wish it every success.”

James Woodcock, of Monmouthshire County Council, added: “The food sector was vitally important to the county and it’s exciting to see the way in which this long standing Monmouthshire business is continuing to evolve and grow.”