HEXHAM farmers' market has been named the best in England and Wales, in a competition organised by the National Farmers' Union, against stiff competition from markets countrywide.

The judges were impressed by the market's broad range of home-grown produce, innovative promotional ideas and marketing techniques, and its strong and determined attitude to succeed.

Mr Tim Bennett, deputy president of the NFU, said: "After much deliberation, the judges selected a winner that went that extra mile to offer customers high quality local produce and a shopping experience to guarantee their return."

Founded by local hill farmers and launched for Christmas 1999, Hexham farmers' market is one of the largest and best supported in the North-East, with more than 40 stallholders attracting up to 2,000 customers.

Julie Charlton, market manager, seen above with Northumberland county NFU chairman, Malcolm Corbett, said this year had been very difficult for everyone in the region because of foot-and-mouth. "We have managed to run the market in some form every month, while observing all safety precautions, but we hope it will be back to full strength by the end of the year and will continue to be as successful as it has been in the past," she said.

Shoppers can buy locally-produced beef, poultry, lamb and pork, wild boar, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, plants, flowers and eggs. Cookery demonstrations and food tastings are also popular features.

The Hexham market received £500 prize money and a winner's banner.