A LOCAL authority which invoked an ancient "donkey charter" to block a farmers' market, has relaxed its decision.

The market, which was to have been held last month in Stockton's Wellington Square Shopping Centre, will now go ahead on Wednesday following discussions between the borough council and the centre's owners.

Organisers were originally forced to cancel the market after the council responded to complaints from stallholders in the centre's indoor market.

They claimed the event could threaten their livelihoods, as 11 members of the region's specialist food group, Northumbria Larder, would be selling similar goods.

The council agreed to invoke the charter, which decrees that no rival market can be set up within six and two-thirds miles of the town centre - the distance a man could traditionally walk with a donkey in one day.

However, following discussions between the council and Wellington Square Development Company, it was decided the monthly farmers' market should become part of Stockton Market.

Councillor Bob Cook, cabinet member for regeneration and development and chairman of the market forum, said: "Hopefully, the farmers' market will enhance our own market, and bring more people into the town to shop."

The farmers' market will be open from 9am until 4pm and will be held every four weeks.

On Wednesday, there will be 11 stalls, including handmade cheese, savoury pies and cakes and handmade fudge.

Colin Watson, Stockton's markets manager, said: "We have been assured the farmers' market is not going to be in competition with any of the market traders."