THE second Lancaster Farmers' Market, which takes place next Wednesday, September 1, is expected to be bigger and better thanks to the support and enthusiasm of local people.

Farmers who took part in last month's event in Church Street were overwhelmed by the response.

Duncan Penny of Nether Kellet, was one of the farmers who took part in the event. He sold out by 11.30am.

"We received a great response from shoppers," he said. "Not only were they keen to buy - so keen we sold out early - but they were also keen to stop and talk about the produce, where they were produced, how they were produced."

"We found it a really useful event," he added. "All the traders thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not surprised that even more farmers are now taking part. It is a great way of making the link between the food people see on the shelves and the producer."

The inaugural market was seen very much as a step towards reviving a traditional shopping concept in Lancaster, helping to take the city's market back to its roots.

This month eight local farmers will trade alongside traditional stallholders.

Gill Shearer, the National Farmers' Union's Farmers' Markets Co-ordinator, believes the response to last month's event will see the new-style market becoming a regular fixture in the city centre.

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