22 November 2007, 20:53 PM

  • Following months of campaigning, securing public support and wowing Gary Rhodes, Hampshire Fare farmer, James Hague of Daisy’s Dairy near Hook, has been crowned Britain’s Local Food Hero 2007 by UKTV Food, sponsored by Seeds of Change.

In addition to public support, Mr Hague was championed by celebrity chef Anthony Worrall Thompson and beat off stiff competition from five other contenders to win the highly coveted title of South East Local Hero. He was then pitted against nine other regional winners in a nail-biting final at UKTV Food HQ before securing the national title of Local Food Hero 2007 and a cheque for £40,000 that he will plough back into safeguarding his business.

Gary Rhodes and Antony Worrall Thompson were both amazed with the full integrated service he offered. He not only breeds and milks his cows but also delivers milk and cream to 1600 customers, no later than 24 hours after milking. Not only did Mr Hague’s entire range of dairy produce taste fantastic, Antony Worrall Thompson was also “blown away” by his passion for his animals.

Says Mr Hague, “It has been a brilliant competition, showcasing the fantastic produce that is available locally. It’s such an honour to win. Our success shows how farmers can innovate and how supportive the public are of farming. This award emphasises just how important the humble pint of milk is and that it shouldn’t be taken for granted”. Currently, Daisy’s Dairy delivers to shops, hotels and restaurants across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and into Sussex within a 40 mile radius of the farm. Doorstep deliveries are made within 8 miles of the farm. Says Tim Brock, manager of county food group Hampshire Fare, “This is a fantastic achievement and a great boost for Hampshire farmers. Daisy’s Dairy is a prime example of how farmers in Hampshire have diversified to create an entrepreneurial business, and brings yet another award for Hampshire’s food and drink producers!” Mr Hague will now be putting his £40,000 prize money towards buying more cows, revamping the bottling plant and establishing a new Education Centre.

Find out more about Daisy’s Dairy at www.farmfreshmilk.co.uk. To view all of the nominations and reviews for Local Food Hero 2007, log onto www.uktvfood.co.uk.