A BEEKEEPER from Coggeshall is competing against five others to be crowned East of England Co-op's Producer of the Year.

Michael Coe, 48, of Tilkey Road, has six million bees, making around two tonnes of honey a year, which he sells and supplies to the Co-op.

He said: "It would be fantastic to win, but mainly for the bees. Their numbers are in decline so we need all the support we can get."

Voting closes on January 31, to vote for Mr Coe visit: www.eastofengland.coop/2014producer