ANDY Cole is a single-minded man and he knows one thing for sure - local means quality.

His pub and restaurant at the Wombwell Arms at Wass already had a good reputation when he took it over some months ago.

But he has made it a true local with local produce and daily deliveries.

Like everyone else in the service industry in Ryedale, Andy was hit by the fall-off in trade caused by the effects of the foot and mouth epidemic.

"Rather than reduce staff," he said, "I decided on investment and we have extended ourselves."

He adopted a policy of local first and now even his coffee comes from a local supplier.

In the past he bought his meat and groceries from national suppliers. "The big boys were privileged to be using us, but we didn't get the support and the deliveries were less frequent."

Using local suppliers means Andy can expect deliveries six days a week. "Vegetables bought today are used today."

"Not just that, we feel we are supporting the local community and in return we get quality and freshness."

All Andy's meat products come from Geoff Thornton at Easingwold. Mr Thornton in turn uses Wilsons at Sutton Bank for his pork.

Dooleys at Easingwold supplies the vegetables. Ice cream is Raeburns from Helmsley. The fish comes from a bit further afield - Harrogate.

It's a shame Ryedale doesn't have vineyards and home-produced wine. As it is, Andy prides himself in his cellar. "I have tried every wine. It was a terrible job," he laughed.

The flexibility of local suppliers means that menus can be changed frequently. They always contain game and fish, plus vegetarian dishes.

"Do you know where the ingredients for your meal come from?" he added. "Do you know how old they are? We do and I think that this makes people feel safe."

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, November 29, 2001