FARMERS' markets are continuing their comeback after the devastation of foot-and-mouth disease.

After months of wrangling and delays caused by the epidemic, Richmond finally begins to hold regular farmers' markets on Saturday, September 15.

Farmers will line up alongside the normal market traders every third Saturday of each month and organisers hope for between 15 and 20 farm stalls.

As well as the usual farmers' produce, a more unusual product on sale at Richmond will be buffalo meat. Mr Paul Langthorne, who farms at Brompton, near Northallerton, will sell meat from his 130-strong buffalo herd.

September is Farmers' Market Month and Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland will take part in this national celebration by staging two markets focusing on local food.

The festivities will offer the opportunity to try before you buy, stallholder hat competitions and special farmers' market menus at local pubs and cafes.

The events take place at Barnard Castle tomorrow and at Bishop Auckland on Friday, September 14.