A FOOD initiative aimed at encouraging people to eat locally grown or produced food will be launched in Chepstow this weekend.

The Chepstow Local Food Challenge will last a month and see a group of residents, which includes members of Transition Chepstow, take up the challenge to eat food that is produced or grown locally, as far as possible, within a 30-mile radius of the town.

The challenge, which is believed to be the first attempted in Wales, is the first of several events to be held in the town.

Transition Chepstow is a community initiative formed to tackle climate change and encourage sustainability.

Throughout the month, events being held include a local ‘tapas evening’, food directory and farmers market.

Member, Pam Robinson, said: “Eating locally and reducing the amount of meat you eat is probably the most important way you can help the environment. “We’re also keen to see what it would be like if we had to be more reliant on local produce.”

She added: “We hope this challenge will make people in Chepstow think about what they eat and where it comes from."

To mark the launch of the challenge, the Coach and Horses public house will hold an evening of 'local tapas' on September 4 with dishes based on locally-sourced ingredients.

Nick Meyrick of the Coach and Horses public house, said: “We are hoping to showcase that locally grown food is not just tasty, but a sensible option too.”

Transition Chepstow has put together a free directory of local producers and retailers selling local produce in hard copy and on its website.

A competition to find the best recipe for a two-course meal for four people using mainly local ingredients and costing not more than £5 will be launched and judged by Mr Meyrick and Town councillor Dale Rooke.

For information visit www.transitionchepstow.org.uk