Richmond'S first farmers' market has been given the go-ahead this weekend, after months of careful debate.

Farmers will turn to the town's shoppers on Saturday, urging them to 'fall in love with local food' to limit the impact of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Using the slogan - adopted as part of a new scheme launched by the Countryside Agency and Yorkshire Forward - farmers from a 40-mile radius will travel to the town to sell their own produce.

As well as locally-reared beef, lamb, pork and dairy goods, more unusual items such as buffalo cheese and yoghurt, organic vegetables, home-made fruit juice, home-produced soap, honey, herbs and crafts will be on sale.

Chairman of the Northern Dales Farmers' Markets Alaistair Davyof Oxque Farm, near Marrick, said although no new cases of foot-and-mouth have been confirmed in the area for some weeks, the farming community is still struggling with the devastation left behind.

"The market will give us a vital lease of life and a tremendous opportunity to meet locals to talk about our produce," he said.

"We want to assure people we are still very much open for business, our produce is safe to eat and the best way to support us is to eat and enjoy the quality food we provide."

Saturday's market opens at 7.30am, co-inciding with the town's indoor market; others will follow on the third Saturday of each month.

Andy Marrinar, whose popular Gatherley Farm greengrocery stalls have served Richmond shoppers for almost 90 years, has supported the initiative.

"The variety of produce on offer should pull in the crowds which can only be to every trader's benefit.

"As long as farmers are happy to stand alongside existing stall holders and trade on the same day, I have no problem with it at all," he said.

This weekend also sees Richmond's annual First Fruits Ceremony - a medieval tradition marking the start of the year's harvest outside Trinity Church at 10.30am.

A sample of fresh corn produced by a local farmer will be presented to a miller for official approval.

Bystanders will then be offered wine to join the town's mayor, Tom Burrows, in a toast to the success of the new harvest.