A TYPE of milk which could help make the nation healthier has been launched in Nantwich.

TV vet Steve Leonard spoke about the locally-produced milk - branded Selk - to 30 farmers at the official launch at Nantwich Cricket Club on Friday.

The milk contains a much higher percentage of selenium than normal milk, which is said to be an all-round health aid.

Selk is the brainchild of Andrew Henderson, who runs Independent Feeds Ltd at Audlem.

He told The Chronicle: 'I started to produce cattle feed which contains more selenium than normal after talking to local veterinary surgeons.

'When I studied the subject I discovered that in general the selenium in UK soil is quite low, so the food cattle eat is similarly low in selenium.

'By producing specially enhanced feed stuffs we can benefit the nation's cattle and milk drinkers.

'Selenium is found in many of our foods including milk, fish, nuts and eggs. But the average intake in Britain is much lower than in many countries.

'Enhanced selenium intake is said to help combat several illness including types of cancer, asthma, heart disease, skin problems and infertility in both men and women.'

The first outlet for Selk is at Cheerbrook Quality Farm Food shop in Willaston, where proprietor Andrew Shufflebotham said: 'It is going very well. We pride ourselves on selling quality local foods, and we are delighted to be the first outlet for Selk which is produced and marketed locally.

'It costs between 2p and 3p a pint more than normal semi-skimmed milk, but is said to be very beneficial.'

The new milk is produced at Cloud View Dairy, Congleton, and Mr Henderson said he was currently working on a marketing plan which he hoped would see Selk sold in health food shops, delicatessens, newsagents, family grocers and filling stations across the nation.

He said: 'The North West of England has a greater concentration of milk production than anywhere in Europe, so I feel this could be good news for the region's farmers as well as milk consumers.

'I am really excited about the product and the fact that Cheshire is leading the way to a healthier lifestyle.'