Published at 16:47, Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Prime Minister David Cameron has praised Cumbrian food producers and urged the public to shop local in the wake of the horse meat scandal.

David Cameron

Mr Cameron met a range of Cumbria's finest food producers at the first ever Cumbria Day event at the House of Commons today, telling Cartmel Sticky Toffee pudding producers that his children were big fans.

He told the guests packed into the event at the House of Commons: "At a time when people are worried about 'What's in the food I buy - is it what it says on the tin?' it's momentous for local producers to say 'You can be sure'.

"This week of all weeks when there is so much concern about food quality and labelling this is a welcome opportunity for local producers and retailers to step forward and say we really do focus on quality."

And he spoke of his love for Cumbria and swimming in its Lakes: "I have a guilty secret - every year since being prime minister I tell myself that I have to get to Cumbria and swim in one of the lakes.

"So far I have managed it."

Later he tweeted: "Just visited #cumbriaday event at parliament to promote tourism in this beautiful area. Brings back happy memories of swimming in Ullswater."

Just visited #cumbriaday event at parliament to promote tourism in this beautiful area. Brings back happy memories of swimming in Ullswater.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) February 13, 2013

Click here to view Cumbria Day in tweets

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk