A NEW farm shop has opened its doors in Chester this week, close to the centre of the city.

The Cheshire Made Farm Shop is a new venture run by two entrepreneurs who want to put the community at the centre of their plans.

Richard Nieto and David Lyne have committed to working as far as humanly possible with small local businesses to supply the shop, which has a full range of food and drink, as well as local crafts and gifts.

The new business is a family affair, Richard and David being joined by their wives Julie and Sue.

The project came to fruition over tea and biscuits one morning just four weeks ago, when the couples were discussing how disappointing it was that so much of the food they bought wasn’t from local suppliers.

Richard, who has 30 years experience in food retail, said: “We suddenly realised this gap in the market, which many of our friends had also noticed, was in fact a huge opportunity.

“Then, once we started talking to food and craft producers locally, we realised there was an equal frustration on their part that it was so difficult to find local outlets to sell their produce.

“And this was how Cheshire Made was born.”

Business partner David said: “Our original idea was to open the shop next spring but so many of our partner suppliers begged us to get going before Christmas.”

Stephen Wundke, chief executive of Taste Cheshire, said: “Our aim is to champion local Cheshire produce and with a showcase like this in Chester we couldn’t be happier.”

Cheshire Made is situated at the A41/A55 roundabout junction, next to the park-and-ride and the Roots ‘n’ Shoots nursery.