Visitors to Dore Abbey, an historic abbey set in Herefordshire's beautiful Golden Valley, will soon be able to share the benefits of a Rural Enterprise Scheme grant from Defra.

Eric and Denis Gwatkin of Moorhampton Farm, Abbeydore, which is close to the magnificent 12th Century building, are opening Abbeydore Farm Shop to sell their produce direct to the public.

The Defra grant has helped the two young farmers convert a redundant farm building into a shop selling fruit and vegetables, as well as meat from the farm and other local producers.

Denis Gwatkin said: 'Our idea to set up a farm shop was getting off the ground a couple of years ago but got delayed because of the Foot and Mouth outbreak. Now we hope to be open by this Easter.

'Our first step is to get the shop open and build up a regular local clientele. But the experience I've had selling the homemade cider and perry suggests there is a growing market for good quality farm produce. We are looking at developing a market selling over the Internet. People are interested in knowing the background and history of what they eat.' Steve Lund from Defra said: 'The Golden Valley is one of the most rural parts of the West Midlands and is almost totally dependent on agriculture for its economy. The farm shop will not just help with the long term economic viability of the farm but also has the potential to make a contribution to the rural economy of the whole area.

'Given that the Rural Enterprise Scheme has as its primary aim the development of more sustainable and enterprising rural economies, we are delighted to have provided financial assistance to the project.'

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