EVESHAM's favourite product will travel to the capital in style before being paraded through London as part of a special ceremony marking the beginning of this year's British Asparagus Festival.

The festival has always attracted a lot of publicity with events such as the auctions at The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, and will start this year with The Great English Asparagus Run on St George's Day, on Wednesday, April 23.

To the sound of Elgar's Land of Hope and Glory, a Morgan car driven by a representative of the Morgan Car Company, along with the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Mr Michael Brinton, will leave the Evesham Bell Tower for London carrying a round of Vale asparagus on a Royal Worcestershire platter.

The asparagus will then be taken to The House of Commons where it will be presented to Andrew Rossindell MP, chairman of the All-party St George's Day Group, in time for the St George's Day Loving Cup ceremony.

With the assistance of the British Asparagus Growers Association, asparagus from around the country may also be served as part of the National St George's Day Banquet at the England for Excellence Awards at St George's Hall in Liverpool.

Other events and activities planned for the same period will mean that more industries and attractions, including the Morris, Medieval and Cider Festivals, can benefit from this asparagus campaign.

A new website www.britishasparagusfestival.org is being set up. For more information or to get involved in the campaign contact Angela Tidmarsh on 01386 565373.