A COUPLE who run a growing organic food business have welcomed new research into the benefits of eating more healthily.

Iain and Liz Pocklington, who run Riverford from Crayke near Easingwold, are delighted after a new scientific paper released last month reveals significant differences in the nutritional content of organic and conventional crops.

The pair deliver 300 organic boxes each week to customers and have recently expanded to Boroughbridge, Easingwold and Malton.

Mrs Pocklington, pictured above with husband Iain, said: "We are thrilled with this news. We have always known that organic food looks, feels and tastes different to conventionally produced crops, which are generally pushed forward with synthetic fertilisers.

"It would be extraordinary if these clearly observable differences were not reflected in the nutritional value too, and it now seems that science is catching up with what has always been common sense to us."

With the "excellent" growing conditions this year for the organic produce, Mr and Mrs Pickering are optimistic about the future.