Popcorn, the cinema-goer's snack favourite is usually sourced from America. But Bintree farmer Richard Garrod is beating the Yanks at their own game and growing the popcorn maize on his farm.

Popcorn, the cinema-goer's snack favourite is usually sourced from America.

But Bintree farmer Richard Garrod is beating the Yanks at their own game and growing the popcorn maize on his farm.

He is the first known UK farmer to grow popcorn maize and members of the public will get the chance to sample it at The Produced in Norfolk Christmas Fayre at The Old Bally Shoe Factory, Hall Road, Norwich this Saturday and Sunday, 10-4pm.

The event is sponsored by Targetfollow

Richard is the third generation of his family to farm the 1,000 acre Manor Farm, Bintree, in partnership with his wife Catherine and parents Brian and Natalie.

His father had a large dairy farm but was himself a Norfolk pioneer being the first farmer in Norfolk to grow and sell sweetcorn. He also opened a small farm shop on the Fakenham Road.

When Richard took over the farm he looked to diversify and started growing the raw ingredients for Bintree Bird Seed for which he is well known throughout the county. He also grows over 14 varieties of pumpkin and squash, which will also be on sale at The Norfolk Christmas Fayre.

The Bintree Popcorn is grown by a technique pioneered by Richard. He will be popping the blue, red and ornamental in his imported American popcorn machine and selling it sprinkled with salt and pepper.

Jane Miller, director Produced In Norfolk said “We are delighted that Bintree Popcorn are launching at the Produced in Norfolk Christmas Fayre. All our members products are genuinely made in Norfolk and the popcorn is ground breaking.”

Amongst other genuinely Norfolk products on sale are Beetley woad from Ian and Bernadette Howard. Woad indigo has been the main source for natural blue dye since the Stone Age.

Further traditional and contemporary craft exhibitors include a furniture maker, ceramics, silk painting, artists, willow basket maker, wood turners, alpaca wool garments, photographers, jewellers, hand made sculpted cake decorations.