What's in the shops with the emphasis, where possible, on locally-produced, seasonal and speciality foods.

Kendal Foodhall: Organic pumpkin puree use in pies, as a side vegetable with savoury dishes, or in soups...................£2.75 per 500g jar.

Hutchinsons, Coniston: Ribs of Cumbrian beef boned & rolled...........................£2.86 per half kilo.

Greenbanks, Kendal: English Cox's apples ...........................................kilo pack (2.2lbs) 65p.

A Taste of Lakeland, Ambleside: Saxons finest hand-pressed English apple juice, rich &

aromatic, 100% natural ingredients..........................................25cl £1.40 / 75cl £2.99.

Plumgarths farm shop, Kendal:Special offer on Low Foulshaw Farm beef

(Levens) - 3lbs braising steak, 3lbs stewing steak and 3lbs mince steak.........................only £ 14.99.

Cranstons, Kendal: Extra value 5lb meat packs Cumberland thick sausage £6.99.

Back bacon £ 8.99.

Cumberland farmhouse sausage £ 8.99.

Steadmans, Sedbergh: Own dry-cured Garsdale back bacon.

Plain £3.18 per 1/2 kilo.

Smoked £3.92 per 1/2 kilo.

Also available - dry-cured middle bacon, hams, Parma-style ham, and pancetta.

The Barn Shop, Crooklands: Italian roasted tomatoes (sold loose) give sauces and salads a boost.......82p per 100g.

Oddbins, Kendal: Yellowtail Shiraz fab Australian red.........down from £7.99 to £4.99.

Cartmel Village Shop: Croquants aux noisettes - wonderfully crunchy French hazelnut biscuits - great served with ice cream or coffee, or as a dessert accompaniment £2.45 per 180g bag.