Martin Orr decided to start farming so he could make sure his two children were getting the best grub around.

Now Low Haining Farm, Stoneygate, Houghton, is officially the area's first organic farm.

Martin and wife Dianne started the project for children Carmen, eight, and Cameron, 10, after moving into the farmhouse.

But they soon found they had more than they bargained for.

Martin, a former shopfitter, says: "You can't tell a pig to have two piglets, so we were left with an excess of animals."

Fast-forward four years and the farm sells pork, lamb and beef to a growing army of loyal customers.

And it has just been certified officially organic by the Organic Farmers and Growers' Association.

Martin and family now supply meat to Beamish Hall hotel and have a regular stream of phone orders and deliveries.

Harmful pesticides are banned and all animals on the farm are able to roam free.

And Martin promises anyone eating the farm's produce will be able to taste the difference.

"We do everything completely traditionally. Our pork crackles without having to be put under the grill and the bacon rashers crisp up like in the olden days.

"Our animals don't eat any of the chemicals which are put down on the ground and the grass is grown more slowly."

"Yes it is a little bit more expensive because the feed we use is three times the price, but our customers say it is worth it for the taste," he adds.

Top sellers at the farm include cooked ham, lamb joint and sirloin steak.

Orders are phoned in, then can be delivered or collected at the farm gate.

To contact Low Haining Farm, call 0191 525 1717.