Monmouthshire-based Chef Elaine Blanchard says busy parents need more support when it comes to feeding the little ones.

Having worked with children, she saw that more could often be done when it came to providing nutritious meals. “In today’s busy world parents need more support to make sure their children are always well fed,” she said.

With that in mind, she has launched Blanchard’s Best – a range of frozen meals for children made from ingredients and produce local to her base in Clydach near Abergavenny.

The pre-cooked food range includes traditional meals for the little ones such as lasagne and spaghetti Bolognese, as well as purees and pork noodles. She is also developing meals for children up to eight years.

Sales are rising steadily, and Blanchard’s Best is promoting its products at baby events, and selling to play groups and child minders.

Cafes and restaurants are another market.

Elaine said: “Many of these could develop a baby menu alongside their children’s menus.”

In the longer term, she is convinced there are opportunities in other fields, which do not cater for babies.

“One good example is airlines. They could offer a range of meals for babies and young children and this would be good for everyone.

“This is something I am planning to explore in the future,” she added.

Blanchard’s Best received a £900 grant from the Kickstart programme run jointly by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Monmouthshire County Council. The funds were used to buy new freezers.

Kim Robinson, of UK Steel Enterprise, said:”This is clearly a business with great potential which is developing a new local product and we are delighted to support it.”

Monmouthshire County Council is keen to promote the local food industry, which is one of the county’s key sectors.

James Woodcock, of MCC, said:” It is exciting to see the way in which Blanchard’s Best is using local produce to create nutritious meals for children."

He added that Monmouthshire is known as the Food Capital of Wales because of its fantastic food and drink.

"Elaine’s creativity means that these can now be enjoyed by those looking for a good start in life," he said.