Launch of directory 'Made in Bassett' (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Launch of directory 'Made in Bassett'

SUNDAY'S High Street Festival will see the launch of Wootton Bassett's first free directory of home-grown products.

The directory, called 'Made in the Wootton Bassett area', is a North Wiltshire District Council led initiative which aims to raise awareness of local producers and to encourage retailers and the public to buy from nearby suppliers.

On Sunday copies of the directory, which lists the names, numbers and products of many suppliers, will be handed out prior to a thousand copies being distributed throughout shops, pubs and places of interest in the Wootton Bassett area.

Residents and visitors will also be able to take part in a giant balloon race with the owner of the balloon that travels the furthest winning a hamper full of local produce.

The front cover of the directory includes artwork by 14-year-old Wootton Bassett School pupil Charlie Humphries, who won a competition.

Her design, of a blue flower against the backdrop of green hills and a sunset representing a brighter future for the town, has been taken as the directory's logo.

North Wiltshire District Council's regeneration officer Damian Wood said: "This is going to be the biggest launch we've done so far and it's also the biggest directory we've done. We'll be running a free barbecue with local produce just to give everyone a flavour of what's on offer."

A total of 1,500 directories will be produced this week.