Support local traders and buy sustainable, locally-produced food was the message behind a produce fair hosted by Sheringham Evening WI yesterday (Saturday).

Held at St Joseph's church hall, Cromer Road, the event was the second of its kind, in what it is hoped will become a regular fixture in the WI calendar.

It was the idea of branch president Liz Withington who is keen to fit in with the National Federation of Women's Institutes' ethos of reducing waste and buying local, sustainably-produced goods.

'What we wanted to do was to provide an outlet for local producers, Mrs Withington said. 'But we also wanted to support the town of Sheringham by encouraging people to shop locally, which, with the imminent arrival of Tesco, is more important than ever.'

Food on offer at the fair ranged from pies and sausage rolls baked by North Walsham-based company Mr Kew's Pies, to chutneys and savoury biscuits cooked up former chef Candi Robertson, and work-of-art cupcakes designed and baked by former Cromer care home owner Paula Faiers.

Also on sale were one-off children's dresses made by Pat Harvey of Sheringham, gemstone jewellery created by Liz Holman and knitted hats, tea cosies and soft toys made by Maureen Dewhurst, who is trying to raise �4,000 to buy a new wheelchair for her granddaughter Alice, who has cerebral palsy.

Mrs Withington said the event had been a great success and hoped more stallholders would take part in a third fair planned for later in the year.

'What we would particularly like is for more young people to join us as, what many people don't realise is that the WI isn't all 'jam and Jerusalem', it is very active in campaigning on issues which are very relevant to today,' she added.

? Sheringham Evening WI meets at 7.15pm on the second Monday of each month at St Joseph's church hall, Cromer Road. For more information please ring 01263 821650.