A UNIQUE photographic record of food production in the local area is to be produced by the Ledbury Food Group.

The aim is create an archive for the future by creating a snapshot of the present, and it follows on from other recent Food Group projects which emphasise the importance and variety of local supply.

Food group spokesman, Griff Holliday said: "The project is inspired by the Food Group's research for the Campaign for Protecting Rural England’s “Mapping Local Food Webs” (2009-2012) which emphasised the importance of local food to the local economy."

He described the photographic project as a pilot scheme and added: "It will be a record of how things are now, and there is an archive quality to it."

Local producers will be snapped throughout the year, under the theme, "From Field To Fork".

Mr Holliday said: "This is capturing in pictures our local foods including strawberries, vegetables and orchard fruit as they develop through the year."

One of the first food producers to be photographed for the group, by student photographer, Ed Mustafic, was Andrew Power of Marcle Farming.

Mr Holliday said: "Andrew has been busy lambing indoors in Putley since January, and also has a flock on the Marcle Ridge where more lambs will be born in the pastures in April."

Easter is traditionally the time when the first spring lamb becomes available at butchers in Ledbury. Andrew's own lamb will be available direct from the farm in the autumn.

Details of Andrew and other local producers and retailers can be found at the group’s website, www.ledburyfoodgroup.org

It is possible that the photographic archive, when it is finished, will also go on line, although this has not been decided yet.

The Ledbury Food Group is looking for helpers to get involved with the project, through ask@ledburyfoodgroup.org or by phoning 01531 633637.

Ledbury Food Group is an independent group of volunteers.

The Group runs an information website on local food and drink and has in the past year organised the Ledbury Big Breakfast in January 2015, the Ledbury Celebration food festival (in association with Ledbury Poetry Festival) and other food events to increase awareness of the benefits and value of local food and drink. It has received funding to help its activities from Malvern Hills AONB and Ledbury Town Council.