A WOMEN’S organisation has been recognised for its efforts to support locally-produced food.

The Darlington Soroptimists group was named runners-up in the North East Local Food Hero Awards for 2012, a project supported by the Big Lottery Fund that aims to support the production and use of local food sources.

Members of the Soroptimists teamed up with the Clervaux Cafe, in Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, and volunteered their time to help with the running of the venture, which formed a year ago.

The cafe sells home-made bread and cakes, as well as cafe favourites using food produced on the Clervaux Trust’s farm at Clow Beck, in Croft.

Heather Scott, a member of the Soroptimists, said: “We would go in to help with service and the baking at least once a week, just to help them keep going. The group feel that it’s a really worthwhile project and like to do what we can to help out.”

The Darlington group were jointly recognised with the Richmondshire Soroptimists, who help out at a similar cafe in Catterick, set up to help former servicemen and women returning to Civvy Street.

The winner of the North-East awards was chef Andrew Rowbotham, who runs The Crown at Mickleton, near Barnard Castle.