A CAMPAIGN aimed at supporting smaller independent food shops and cafes is being launched at Irene's Cafe in Castlegate, Malton on Saturday, February 11.

The week-long initiative known as "Purple Love" is a new scheme set up to help local businesses, said cafe proprietor Irene Nicholson. Some 550 delicatessens, farm shops, cafes, and independent food shops are taking part nationally, with the Malton cafe being the sole Ryedale participant.

Visitors to the cafe will be able to taste flavours of a wide range of foods, said Irene, who will be providing her own homemade baking as a contribution.

"There are some excellent good food providers in Ryedale and such schemes as this can help them," Irene said.

She has run the cafe for three years, and uses a large amount of local produce.

Updated: 15:28 Wednesday, February 08, 2006