A FAMILY farm is embarking on a major new venture - and looking forward to a bright future far removed from the devastation caused by foot-and-mouth disease.

Two years after the epidemic spread fear throughout the farming community, a local dairy farmer has secured a deal to produce and deliver milk to Lancaster's Asda.

This week saw the introduction of milk from Brades Farm Dairy, Hornby, to the store as part of a drive to bring the best locally produced food and drink direct to shoppers.

John Towers, whose 250-beast Brades Farm Dairy has been in his family for more than three generations, says it is "a very important" move for the business.

He and his wife April run the dairy enterprise which sees them process, pack and retail fresh milk from the farm, which has achieved Soil Association accreditation, every day.

Their Friesian cows graze in the Lune Valley, hence the name Lune Valley Milk.

"We have to make our products available where people want to do their shopping. It has to be in the right place at the right price," John told the Citizen.

"Traditionally we have produced to corner shops but as they decline we need to look for different types of outlets. This is an ideal opportunity. I am sure Asda will continue to support our products if the consumers choose them."

Mr Towers says neighbouring farms were badly hit by the foot-and-mouth epidemic during 2001.

"It was very sad and we were extremely worried," he says. "This is our way of trying to move on, put that behind us and look to the future."

Initially, Brades Farm will be providing only milk to the store - but other products could be added to meet demand.