A Shropshire company has been able to expand its operations and create new jobs thanks to a £5,000 cash boost.

Get Real (Organic Foods) Ltd was awarded the business grant by North Shropshire District Council.

Managing director Sue Gwilliam said the money had been spent on developing the Harmer Hill-based business, and five new workers had been taken on since the company moved premises four months ago.

“We have used the money to do some consumer research on our products,” she said.

The company produces frozen and chilled organic products such as egg and dairy-based quiches, nut roasts, fruit crumbles and falafel.

It started in a farm kitchen and expanded into the new premises in order to supply the independent health food trade, Tesco, Waitrose, J Sainsburys and meet the demand for an order to supply Asda nationwide.

The company is now poised to make a major step from small to major supplier in the organic, vegetarian and healthy food sector.

Councillor Marilyn Patrick, North Shropshire District Council’s portfolio holder for development strategy, said: “The council is delighted to present this business grant to Get Real (Organic Food) Ltd, who are a successful, local company using as many locally-sourced products as possible.”