THE wet weather did not dampen the celebrations this week as farmers marked one year of successfully bringing their produce to the local people.

In October last year, the Northern Dales Farmers' Markets (NDFM) staged its first market in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

One year on and the NDFM holds nine monthly markets across the county and hopes to increase this figure.

The anniversary was marked with a cake cutting ceremony in Northallerton high street, where the market is held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Alistair Davy, markets manager, said it was unbelievable how far the group had come in such a short space of time.

"I'm very pleased we have got this far.

"Obviously when we first started out, we were unsure as to how local people and businesses would respond to the market," he said

"We are getting good quality, fresh, local produce into people's homes, while supporting the farmers and helping the local economy. The markets are buzzing and customers are happy."

The NDFM hopes to expand its programme - already covering towns including Stokesley, Hawes, Bedale and Thirsk - to hold markets in the Craven, Skipton and Settle area.

The NDFM was helped by a £41,328 grant from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which recognised the strong tradition of markets across North Yorkshire.

Department spokeswoman Helen Ovens said: "This grant was an opportunity to ensure that local farmers and small producers could promote their produce to local customers."

The farmers market is holding a Christmas event on December 20 and 21, with carol- singers and festive celebrations in Richmond market place.