THE farmers' market in Darlington is celebrating its first year of being a gold standard market.

The market, one of 75 held across the country, has taken place every third Friday in the month since October 2000. It is the first in the North-East to achieve gold standard.

Launched last year, the standard is awarded by the National Association of Farmers' Markets.

It is independently verified and designed to reward the markets that fulfil the criteria of providing fresh local produce for sale.

The markets also have to ensure that all stallholders are from a 30-mile radius of the town if selling food, and from a 50-mile radius if selling arts and crafts.

The next farmers' market will be on Friday, June 20, in Darlington Market Square.