It is hoped food lovers will flock to the Ribble Valley when a new trail of tasty and tempting treats is launched next year.

It will pull together all the finest fare from the area's farms, shops, food and drink producers and eating places so those who take to the trail can be guided around the Valley bite by bite.

Now the search is on for the borough's best food producers, retailers and restaurateurs to be included in the trail.

Ribble Valley Mayor Coun. Doreen Taylor, award-winning restaurateur Nigel Haworth, Clitheroe Advertiser and Times resident gourmet and recipe queen Marcia Morris, Lancashire food writer Olivia Assheton and Ribble Valley Borough Council's tourism officer Rebecca Kay this week launched the search for participants.

Food writer Marcia Morris said: "The Ribble Valley is blessed with far more than its fair share of truly top-class food producers and purveyors – many of them award winners. This innovative trail is a great way of bringing them together in a package to promote the Valley to anyone who appreciates really good food."

The Ribble Valley Food Trail will be compiled by an independent panel comprising food and tourism experts and writers. It will include maps featuring the area's foodie landmarks for food enthusiasts to follow by foot or public transport.

To be included in the trail, participants must be based in Ribble Valley and show a commitment to local produce, high quality foods and excellent customer service. Whether you produce the food or drink yourself, sell it in a shop or serve it on a plate, you could take part.

For more information contact Rebecca Kay on 01200 414496 or visit www.ribblevalley.gov.uk