AYLESBURY may be on the map for its breed of duck, but soon it could be well known for its snails.

MP David Lidington visited a snail farm near Wendover called Aylesbury Escargots last week.

Owner Sophie Wharton gave a tour of the farm to the MP, who covers Stokenchurch and Bledlow, and explained how she believes Aylesbury Escargots may be the only remaining snail farm in the UK.

Mr Lidington said: "Having never visited a snail farm before this was an entirely new experience and it was fascinating to visit Aylesbury Escargots to learn about the snail farming process as well as their plans for the future.

"Hopefully in time Aylesbury Escargots’ snails will be as popular and renowned as Aylesbury Duck and will be eaten all over the world."

Richard Waller, based in Chesham, is the last remaining breeder of Aylesbury Ducks and has featured on many TV programmes.

The remaining 340,000 free range snails from this year’s crop will be harvested in the next fortnight.

The company supplies a large number of chefs throughout the UK and has had enquires from some European countries. They are also hoping to have a range of oven ready products on sale in supermarkets at some point in the future.

Go to www.aylesbury-escargots.co.uk for more information.