THE family behind the award-winning Tebay Services have partnered with a Cumbrian farm to bring single source milk to their customers.

Celebrated for working closely with local producers, the Westmorland Family began themselves as farmers and now stock produce from more than 130 local suppliers in their Northern businesses.

The farming family producing the milk are the Harringtons, who have farmed at Mounsey Bank Farm, Plumpton, for three generations and have perfected superior quality milk with a high butterfat percentage.

Head of kitchen offer, Mary Houston said: "We’ve long wanted to work directly with a single family farm to source our milk, as we’re aware of the impact which secure contracts have on a farm’s future.

"Working with a local farm and a local dairy is a great way for The Westmorland Family to do our bit to maintain the sustainability of Cumbrian dairy farms. Farming is a challenge during the best of times and having a stable and reliable local market for milk is crucial for farmers."

'Northern Milk' will be served and on sale at Tebay Services, Tebay Services Hotel, Junction 38 and the Rheged Centre.

"Their herd of 130 pedigree Friesians grazes outdoors on Cumbrian pastures and is only milked enough to extract a rich and creamy product; perfect for teas, coffees and baking in our cafes," added Mary.

"We’ve also worked with the farm to produce a new bottled milk, which customers will be able to buy in our farm shops, a first for the farm."

Westmorland are working with local processor, North Lakes Dairy to process the local milk, a supplier of nearly 20 years standing.

Farmer Phil Harrington said: “Working with the Westmorland Family is all about the future for us. Dairy farmers across the UK face volatile dairy markets and this collaboration means real security for our farm.

"It will help us to invest in our farm our cows and our future. Our business gels fantastically with Westmorland, and we are delighted they are committing to support us. We would also like to thank our longstanding dairy, North Lakes Dairy, who helped us to make this happen."