AN artisan food supplier has launched a new festive range of fruit preserves in time for Christmas.

Northumbrian Pantry, in Simonburn, has sourced local ingredients to create the new seasonal additions, which include a Christmas edition chutney, a spiced apricot and orange chutney, chilli relish, and jams such as blackberry and cassis, damson and mulled wine, and figgy pudding amongst others, all of which are designed to make great gifts and stocking fillers.

Alice Murray, who runs the business alongside her husband David, said: “I was born and brought up in a close-knit Northumberland community, so creating preserves of the highest quality that are also representative of the region has always been very important to me.”

To maximise on flavour, the pair carefully selected ingredients which were either handpicked seasonally from the orchards and wild hedgerows of the North Tyne Valley, or sourced from trusted local suppliers and markets. The products are also gluten free, and most will be suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

“We have such pride in, and passion for, the region and our aim is to become a go-to brand for artisan Northumbrian products and preserves, with people coming to us because of the high quality and abundant flavours of our produce,” said David.

The couple pride themselves on ensuring every product is hand-made, and contains a personal touch from cook Alice, who trained at Leith’s School of Food and Wine, who combines traditional recipes with her own creative inventions.

“We’ve been preparing for the festive season for a long time now so we are eager to give people a taste of what Northumbrian Pantry has to offer at a whole host of Christmas fairs around the region,” said Alice.

“Our community has been very supportive of our journey so far and it is now very exciting for us to be able to share our vision with them at this time of year.”