A reference book aimed at encouraging restaurants, hotels and caterers to buy food from local producers has gone on sale.

The Sussex Food Finder Directory has been launched to coincide with British Food Fortnight and lists more than 300 farmers, independent shops, markets and food organisations.

The guide was compiled by business support groups A Taste of Sussex, Action in Rural Sussex and the East Sussex Food and Health Partnership.

Alex Cadogan, owner of The Saint restaurant, in St James's Street, Brighton, said "We have planned our new menu around an estimated 80 per cent of Sussex farm produce - a move we're sure will be popular with our customers."

The directory is free to any business looking for local produce suppliers and can be bought from Sussex Stationers and Steamer Trading Cook Shops, price £2.99.

Alternatively, the directory can be accessed online at www.sussexfoodfinder.co.uk