THE owners of a popular farm shop visited Downing Street with MP Siobhan Baillie for a celebration of rural industries.

Hannah Clarke and Ed Spencer, who run Easington Farm Shop, went through the famous black door and home of the Prime Minister last Tuesday, February 27 for a Food and Farming Champions Reception.

The pair were nominated by the MP to meet environment secretary Steve Barclay and others from across the UK who were recognised for the work they do in their communities.

Hannah said: “It was lovely to be invited to Number 10, and to have our local MP showing interest in and supporting the local farming community.

“It’s important to deal with the issues facing the rural community, now more than ever.

Stroud News and Journal: Owners of Easington Farm Shop Hannah Clarke and Ed Spencer at Downing Street with MP Siobhan

“We feel privileged to have been recognised as championing farming and food production in the Stroud area. We hope to encourage more conscious decisions around sourcing food and eating local produce.”

Siobhan added: “Hannah and Ed have made their shop a huge success even though they opened just shortly before the pandemic.

“Their philosophy of selling local and sustainable food and encouraging local people to access healthier food choices is important.

“Their work to provide a high quality relationship between farmer and customer is another powerful way to remind everybody that there really is no food without farming.

“I was delighted they were both able to come to London and be honoured for the role they play in our community.”

The pair are the latest to be invited to the famous Westminster address as guests of Ms Baillie.

Last month, the chair of Dursley Rugby Ladies RFC was invited to attend a reception to honour people across the country who bring communities together through sport.

Katie Thomson has worked hard for many years with her team to introduce as many women as they can to the sport, through skills, social events and fitness.

And in November, the chairman of Stroud & District Chamber of Trade and Commerce Tony Davey and Business West Gloucestershire director and vice chair of GFirstLEP Ian Mean attended a Levelling Up Champions Reception.

The reception was hosted by secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities Michael Gove who chatted with both of them.