Schoolchildren, hospital patients and soldiers will benefit from more locally-sourced food as part of a Government initiative.

The plan was launched in Richmond by Environment Secretary Liz Truss after the borough showed it was keen to raise school food standards through projects such as School Food Matters, which Zac Goldmith championed.

The MP for Richmond Park Zac Goldsmith said: "We spend well over £2bn on food for schools and hospitals, and should of course be using that money to support sustainable British farmers, provide children and patients with good quality sustainable food, and cut food miles substantially.

"I have campaigned on this issue in Parliament a great deal, and I’m absolutely thrilled we’re finally seeing progress."