HAMPSHIRE watercress was on the menu at the Houses of Parliament - thanks to MP John Denham.

As part of his campaign to promote the county's produce, the Southampton Itchen MP persuaded chefs in the Stranger's Restaurant to dream up dishes featuring watercress.

And they rose to the occasion - serving up tasty watercress soup, salmon with watercress sauce and tuna steak accompanied by watercress salad.

Labour backbencher Mr Denham, who plans to organise a festival of Hampshire foods at Westminster, said: "Promoting local produce is very important to keep farmers in business and retain the county's beautiful countryside."