NEW food and drink dispensers were officially opened on Sunday - with not a chocolate bar or fizzy drink in sight.

That is because these vending machines, at the Moody Cow in Allonby, only dispense local produce.

There are jams and chutneys from Wild and Fruitful and a new Workington company, Cumbria Coastal Kitchen.

There are also Cumbrian cheeses including cheddar from the Aspatria Creamery which owner Clare Hetherington said is "very special and some of our milk would have contributed to it".

The machines also dispense milkshakes - from the Moody Cow farm, also known as Blue Dial.

Ms Hetherington, a keen environmentalist, has also ensured that customers can fill their own milk bottles with guaranteed fresh milk.

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"You can buy a bottle of milk from the dispenser and then just fill it again and again as needed.

"We think this is a good way to avoid the use of plastic and the fact that the vending machines are available 24/7 means there is no waiting.

The farm and cafe, which also includes the Blue Dial Caravan Park, held an open day on Sunday.

Visitors were treated to a tour of the farm, tractor rides and a chance to meet the cows who provide the milk, milkshakes and cheese.

The farm has a robotic milking system, so people were also able to see the cows being milked.

Clare said the reaction to the new dispensing machines had been very positive.

Blue Dial Farm is working with an organisation called Golden Hooves which is committed to 'sustainable farming', including using these specially adapted vending machines.