The cream of the food scene gathered at an award-winning pub to celebrate the launch of a new network.

Local Food Britain aims to connect producers with customers and has launched a pilot scheme in Sussex.

Sussex was chosen to launch at the Foragers Pub, in Hove, because it has one of the most thriving food communities in the country.

Food specialist and writer Tracy Carrol dreamt up the ambitious plan to create a virtual shop window.

She said: “So many people want to support local, and the new network will make it simpler.

“Over the years, I have met with many hard-working people, from beekeepers to bakers and cafe owners, and it’s long been my dream to find a way of helping them to share their voices and get found by people who want to buy from them and, in turn, support the local economy.”

Dan Howes from Veasey and Sons Fishmongers, Chris and Rosemary Knox of Gran Stead’s Ginger Co, Sarah Thompson of Blackdown Spirits, Linus Gorpe from The Raw Chocolate Company, Tom Stephens from Wobblegate cider and apple juice all attended the launch.

For more information go to www.localfoodbritain.com