Northallerton high street was filled with shoppers yesterday at the launch of the town's farmers' market.

Almost 20 stalls boasting an array of meats, fish, cakes and soap were on offer when the Northern Dales Farmers Market (NDFM) came to town.

Andrew Stewart, a trout farmer from Kirkbymoorside, said yesterday: "It is absolutely fabulous being here - there's a real buzz in the air and it's busy, which is just what we like to see.

It took much persuasion and negotiation for the farmers' market to get to the high street.

It received the official go-ahead to move from its site in the Applegarth car park earlier this month.

"Its been a long campaign for many farmers and other people but finally they are where they want to be," said former mayor of Northallerton, Jack Dobson.

"When they were in the Applegarth, the number of stalls was decreasing, shoppers were complaining and traders weren't happy."

Yesterday, no-one was happier than director of the NDFM Alastair Davy, who said there was no doubt that the high street was the right place for the market.

"We have new stalls, plenty of space and we are in a prime location - Northallerton's farmers' market hasn't been this busy in a long time."

A makeshift quintet - dubbed the Farmers Five - played old classics to the crowds, with district councillor and supporter of the move, Bert Langthorne, on the accordion.

But while spirits were high among most, Hambleton Council's environmental health spokesman Councillor David Blades said there were a few teething problems.

"By bringing the monthly farmers' market here, we have lost two disabled parking bays, which is a slight problem to be addressed," he said.

"Also, the taxis are having to adjust to the change and operate from across the road - but that is slowly working out.

Overall, we are very pleased."