THE future of a farmers’ market has been given a boost in the form of a £3,100 grant.

Middleton Plus, which holds monthly markets in Middleton-in-Teesdale, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, received the money from the Gannett Foundation, a group which is sponsored by The Northern Echo and the Darlington and Stockton Times’ parent company, Gannett.

The money will go towards the purchase of 20 market stalls, meaning the group will no longer have to hire equipment each month.

Lucy Jenkins, trust manager for Middleton Plus, said: “The new stalls will make the market self sustaining because rather than us paying to hire the stalls from elsewhere, all the rent money coming from the stallholders can go towards other costs.

“It will really help the long-term sustainable future of the market, which in turn will help the village because visitors that come to the markets also use the local shops and businesses.”

Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmers’ Market was set up in 2007 and regularly attracts hundreds of visitors to the town.

About 16 producers from the area sell at the market, which is held on the last Sunday of the month.

“We try and make the markets be more than just about the producers, so the next market will have a wildlife theme,”

said Mrs Jenkins.

The grant is part of £300,000 worth of funding handed out by the Gannett Foundation to worthwhile causes around the country.

Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmers’ Market will be in the centre of the village from 10am until 3pm on Sunday, May 31.

For more details, call Middleton Plus on 01833-641000.