THE team behind a scheme to promote the benefits of eating local produce are looking to gauge public opinion on the project.

Matt Parkins and his wife Sally have been working on the Oke Local Food Hub project for several months.

The hub scheme would promote Okehampton as a centre for quality local food and aim to secure a supply of fresh food amidst rising oil prices and transport costs.

If the scheme gets up and running, local people will be able to order a variety of foods grown locally by local producers on the Food Hub's website. If a customer has no internet access, a Food Hub representative will help with their order.

The food would then be delivered to and collected from a hub in the town, potentially in a central location.

Mr Parkins said: 'We carried out some market research in 2012 that showed a good level of interest from both producers and residents.

'There was some understandable caution, but generally it was seen to be a good idea. People were keen to buy more local food if it was convenient to do so.'

The couple are now looking to find funding to set up the hub website, promote the scheme, train volunteers and co-ordinate members. They are also looking to gauge public opinion on the scheme, to find out whether or not the hub would receive support from Okehampton residents and businesses. There are plans to hold a workshop meeting in the New Year to discuss a way forward for the project.

If you would like to share your thoughts, please e-mail Matt Parkins on [email protected]">[email protected]