Bakers are among businesses in Chesterfield being urged to take part in an initiative to get locally sourced, high-quality food served at a hospital in the Derbyshire town.

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is teaming up with the Food and Drink Forum - a not-for-profit organisation based in the East Midlands - to appeal to local producers at an event on March 18th at the Coney Green Business Centre in Clay Cross.

Later this year, the trust plans to open a new catering outlet in the main entrance to the hospital as part of a wider redevelopment project. The facility will offer healthy breakfasts, lunch and evening meals using locally produced bread, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, meats, dairy produce and ready meals.

Susan Tate, the Food and Drink Forum’s public sector food procurement initiative coordinator, said: "It is very good for local producers and the local economy in general when an organisation like a hospital has a strong commitment to local sourcing."