NORTHUMBERLAND’S big day in Westminster drew scores of MPs and peers to a showcase of the county’s finest food and drink businesses.

Government ministers, including Michael Gove, secretary of state for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry, took time out of their busy schedules to meet and sample produce from eight of the county’s producers.

The delegation of Northumberland-based businesses attended the event at the Houses of Parliament last week alongside representatives from Northumberland County Council, to exhibit and present an array of food and drink to some of the most influential decision makers in the country.

Stephen Laidlow, of The Northumbrian Bakehouse based at Kirkharle, was among them and was joined by Lord Donald Curry of Kirkharle.

Mr Berry explained to producers that the visit was timely, particularly in relation to the North of Tyne devolution deal, which will take powers out of Whitehall and give them back to local areas, including Northumberland.

Produced in Northumberland, run by the council, highlights and promotes local businesses that make, sell or serve foods produced within the county.

Leader of Northumberland County Council, Coun. Peter Jackson, said: “The event was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the diverse range of high quality producers in Northumberland.

“Food tourism is a huge part of our wider tourism offer, with local produce that is unique to our county which we’re immensely proud of.

“Our trip to Westminster helped increase awareness of that and we sent an open invitation to those attending to visit Northumberland to find out for themselves.”

All four Northumberland MPs from across the political divide supported the event – Anne-Marie Trevelyan; Ian Lavery; Guy Opperman and Ronnie Campbell.

Joe Evans, of Marlish Water based near Morpeth, said: “It’s our first time visiting the Houses of Parliament, so we felt quite honoured to come down and be part of it.

“We had a great response from everybody who tried our products.

“If we had a follow-up event in the county, it would be a great way for some of the venues to show themselves off too.”

Representatives from Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes, Doddington Dairy, Kitty’s Homemade Ginger, Lindisfarne Mead and Alnwick Rum, The Old Boathouse Food Group, and Turnbulls of Alnwick, also made the trip to Westminster.