EGG sales have shot up during lockdown.

Regional co-operative Southern Co-op saw sales rise by 50 per cent in May against the typical rate of demand.

The co-operative, which has 135,000 members, is praising local suppliers across the south of England – including Holmansbridge farm near Barcombe and Langmeads in Flansham, Bognor – who have helped to make sure residents continue to get a supply of eggs during the pandemic.

Matt Elliott of the Southern Co-op said: “Our local suppliers have done a great job helping us fill the gap when eggs were in short supply at retail stores across the country.

“Over the lockdown period we have seen a spike in sales of local eggs and the support we have seen across our suppliers has been fantastic.

“We would urge our customers to continue to support local suppliers and shop locally.”

Other products have fared badly under lockdown.

A slump in demand for milk from restaurants, cafes and hotels has put businesses at risk of folding, and some farmers were forced to pour it away.