A series of organic festivals spearheaded by an Ilkley exhibitions organiser will roll out across the UK to spread the eco-friendly message.

The initiative by The Organic Festival Company follows the runaway success of a pilot festival in the company's home town last November - the first of its kind in the north.

A total of 28 weekend events will be staged in towns and cities, promoting ecological issues to thousands of people and giving them an opportunity to sample organic products.

The festivals will showcase organic food and drink from local, regional and national producers, as well as shining the spotlight on environmental and fair trade issues.

Campaigners and eco-friendly organisations will also be provided with a platform to help consumers learn more about the vast diversity of organic products and services now available in the UK. Passing on informative advice about eco-living is seen as a central theme to the festivals.

Organiser Dean Wilson said: "The inaugural Ilkley festival attracted some 40 organic-led exhibitors and more than 3,000 people attended. Such was the impact that we decided to roll out a series of organic festivals across the country to promote eco-friendly living.

"We have already had major interest from a host of organic producers and service providers and are increasingly developing partnerships with leading organisations such as Greenpeace, Defra, The Soil Association, Friends of the Earth, Water Aid and The Council for the Protection of Rural England.

"We are also extremely keen to establish links with local and regional organic producers, co-operatives, box schemes and eco-led bodies and organisations who may be interested in having a presence at individual events in their own areas.

"In addition, we would like to foster partnerships with local schools to give young people a hands-on taste of what healthy living is all about. Playing an educational role is also central to our whole philosophy."

The organic festivals tour begins in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on Sunday, April 10 and runs every weekend at locations across the country, culminating in Worthing, Sussex, on November 27.

Full details of dates and venues can be viewed on the www.organicfestivals.co.uk website, while potential exhibitors and partners can contact Mr Wilson on (01943) 817369.