Small food producers and suppliers are receiving lessons on winning contracts with the National Health Service (NHS).

Companies from Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire are taking part in a Defra 'Meet the NHS Buyer' event, which aims to teach them how to break into this lucrative market.

The event's being held at the Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire.

Catering manager Allan Gimson said:

"Local suppliers shouldn't be put off by the fact they feel that they can't compete with the prices of large multi-national companies as often they will have lower delivery overheads which can make them more competitive."