SUPPORTERS of local food will make a bee-line to Cheltenham's newest store.

Russell Giddard has launched The Cotswold Deli at Rodney Road, almost exclusively stocking food produced on our doorstep.

He's so true to his word, his honey even comes from his grandparents' hives at Meysey Hampton, based near Cirencester.

"I'd say 99 per cent of what I stock and retail is from the Cotswolds, barring obvious things such as tea and coffee," he said.

"My honey, Gloucestershire Honey, comes from my grandparents Jean and Dennis Higgs, who keep hives on their land.

"I've fruit juice and iced lollies from Bensons, and ice cream from the Cotswold Ice Cream Company, both at Sherborne, cheeses including Stinking Bishop and Double Gloucester and a Gloucester Old Spot pork range from Martin's Meats at Toddington.

"I want to celebrate what the region has and I like to think of myself as passionate about food, especially local food.

"There are lots of delis doing local produce in Cheltenham, but none exclusively."

Russell, from Leckhampton, was restaurant manager at Merlot Brasserie, in Regent Street, Cheltenham, and also has chef experience, after training at Gloscat.

He graduated in hospitality management from the University of Gloucestershire.

He is developing the deli into a sandwich shop, eatery with 15 to 20 seats and mini grocery store.