AN Essex MP has praised businesses in the district after visiting several on her tour of the district.

Witham MP Priti Patel was in Tolleshunt Major visiting three businesses in the area with councillors Maddie Thompson and Elaine Bamford.

These were the famous Tiptree jam maker Wilkin and Sons, milkshake supplier Shaken Udder, and award-winning pork producers Wicks Manor Farm.

Mrs Patel said that it was great visiting these outstanding businesses that were going from strength to strength.

She said: “Wilkin and Sons, Shaken Udder and Wicks Manor Farm are all leading suppliers of their products and it was great to chat with them all to hear more about their future growth and expansion plans.

“Essex is the County of entrepreneurs and across the Witham constituency we have many brilliant businesses.

“I will be meeting with more inspiring businesses across my constituency in the coming months.

“I look forward to working closely with them all to support their growth and expansion plans, which will also create more jobs for the area.”

Councillor Maddie Thompson said: “The Maldon District is home to a wide range of exciting and innovative businesses, and several of these are in our ward of Tolleshunt D'Arcy.

“Those we visited today are based on farming, which is still the backbone of many communities in the northern part of the District.

“It provides work for many local people that gives them a sense of pride and belonging to something very real.”