Pioneer potatoes, grown by The Co-operative Farms in Coldham, Cambridgeshire, are said to be ideal for boiling, sautéing or using in salads, and can be eaten hot or cold.

The spuds were named after the Rochdale Pioneers who founded the Co-operative Movement in 1844. Staff member Andy Wailes, who works at The Co-operative's head office in Manchester, won a competition to name the variety.

Pioneer potatoes are the latest addition to The Co-operative's expanding "Grown by us" range - food and drink either grown by the Co-operative Farms, or made using ingredients grown by the business.

Christine Tacon, managing director of The Co-operative Farms, said: "Our ‘Grown by us' range has been a huge success so far and is very popular with shoppers. Pioneer potatoes are a worthy addition to the range, and a great example of co-operation between The Co-operative Farms and The Co-operative Food."

Neil Moorcroft, The Co-operative Food's potato buyer, said: "We've worked closely with The Co-operative Farms to achieve new and exciting varieties of potatoes. These can often take years to develop, so we are very proud of the new Pioneer variety, and I'm sure the original Rochdale Pioneers would have been very proud as well."