ICELAND TESTS: Supermarket group Iceland, which has stores across the North-East, has confirmed its own brand beef products do not contain horsemeat.

The company, which has outlets in Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Stockton and Spennymoor, tested products including diced beef, sausages, burgers and lasagne.

Malcolm Walker, Iceland chairman and chief executive, said: “No horsemeat has ever been found in any Iceland product and we have always led the way in delivering food customers can trust.”

SHOP'S AWARD: A North-East farm shop has picked up an industry award for the second year running for the quality of its products.

Blagdon Farm Shop, in Cramlington, Northumberland, won the Local Food title at the Countryside Alliance Awards.

The shop employs about 20 members of staff and manager Joanne Celerier, said: “To win last year’s award was a real honour but to win it for the second year running is unbelievable.”