The best-value vegetables are being produced by farm shops in Yorkshire, according to a local food champion.

Independent research commissioned by the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber found the region's farm shops provided better value than that offered by the major supermarkets.

Baking potatoes and tomatoes cost about a third less, leeks were on average 14% less expensive and onions, savoy cabbages and cauliflowers were all less expensive.

Group boss Jonathan Knight said: "Local food can benefit local economies in a number of ways, creating jobs and opportunities in the local community which, in turn, will have a positive impact on future investment and opportunities in the area.

"Support for local food is good news for the environment, as well as the economy. Local food production often means lower distribution and travel miles.

"And, as we have seen with this latest research, the cost savings are passed back to the consumer."

Matthew Machin from The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Café in York, which participated in the research, said:

"Farm shops provide better value for money on a range of staple goods, not just vegetables.

"As a business we are transparent about where our products and ingredients come from and customers can feel reassured that they are helping to boost the local economy."