Meat direct...

Today (Friday) is the last day to give someone who loves the Lake District an extra special Christmas present.

Lakeland Herdwick Direct is offering half and whole Herdwick lambs and shearlings cut and packed in a specially-designed mail order box. Orders can either be delivered direct by mail order (additional charge £10) or collected from Aireys farm shop just off the A590 near High Newton.

Prices range from £40 for a half light lamb up to £115 for a whole shearling. Full details are available from Lakeland Herdwick Direct on 015395-31240 or e mail: herdwick@ktdinternet.com.

Orders place today will be delivered on Thursday, December 22.

Lakeland Herdwick Direct is supported by the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association, the Lake District National Park Authority Sustainable Development Fund, The National Trust, Friends of the Lake District and the Cumbria Fells and Dales LEADER + programme.

Meat hampers...

HERITAGE Meat Hampers containing seasonal lamb, mature Herdwick and Belted Galloway Beef are now available nationwide from the National Trust's 500-acre Yew Tree Farm, in Coniston, which is run by Jon and Caroline Watson.

With support from the National Trust, Distinctly Cumbrian, Cumbria Fells and Dales Leader+, the Watson's have built a white room at Yew Tree farm where their home-grown lamb and beef can be stored and packed before being sent by carrier directly to customers. Jon and Caroline have both been on a butchering course to equip themselves with the necessary skills.

There are four Heritage Meat Hampers - Yew Tree Seasonal Lamb (£60), Herdwick (£75), the Herdwick Speciality Hamper (£90), and the Beltie Box (subject to availability). They are all either available direct from the farm to collect or by post for an extra charge of £10. For more information on how to order one of the Heritage Meat Hampers call 015394-41433 or visit www.heritagemeats.co.uk