A STOCKSFIELD farmer has launched his own brand of free range milk aimed at offering a lifeline for dairy farmers across Northern England.

Milk bottled under the Free Range 180 label will go on sale at supermarkets and local retailers next week, with Peter Crawford, of Peepy Farm, keen to provide consumers with a quality product.

About 40 farmers have signed up to a new co-operative as part of the scheme, and must adhere to strict environmental, ethical, and animal welfare conditions.

But in return, they will receive a fair payment for their milk in the midst of a national pricing crisis in the dairy industry. Farmers will be paid 3p to 4p more per litre than their current rate.

Mr Crawford said: “We want milk to become a product that people can value again, and we are confident that people want to buy quality, and also want to support the dairy industry.”