SINCE it reopened in June 2002 the village shop in Redbrook has always stocked an impressive array of wholesome local produce.

Store owner Kath Ellison has made it her policy to source produce locally and it would appear to be paying off.

Kath said: "There is great demand here in the Wye Valley for fresh local produce. I believe people have enormous trust in the local farming community.

"We have always tried to source food locally and the latest in a long line of local products available in the store is Redbrook Valley Welsh lamb which comes from Glyn Farm." Hancocks of Monmouth supply the store with other meats including ham, sausages and bacon as well as cheeses.

And the Wye Valley really is the land of milk and honey.

The shop's milk and butter comes from the Netherend Dairy, while its honey is provided by the Wye Valley Apiaries.

Yoghurts are supplied by the Wye Valley Dairy.

The Ellisons also stock cider and perry which is produced at orchards in Brockweir and apple juice which comes from Ragman's Lane Farm in Lower Lydbrook.

An organic 'veg box' scheme is also run from Redbrook Village Shop where customers can buy vegetables to order which are then delivered to the shop by local growers.

Redbrook Valley Lamb was an enterprise launched three weeks ago by John and Marie Griffiths.

The Lleyn Peninsular sheep are reared at the couple's Glyn Farm in the heart of the Wye Valley and is sold on through Redbrook Village Stores and Hancocks the Butchers in Monnow Street, Monmouth.

The couple are also breeding Welsh Black Mountain Sheep on the almost organic chemical free farm, and hope to sell these in the near future.