THE late harvest has forced the postponement of a farmers' market due to be held tomorrow.

Organisers of the Northern Dales Farmers' Market had been given permission to hold the event at Mr Clive Simpson's farm at Broken Brae, near Richmond, but the wet weather and late harvest means the farm is still extremely busy with its grain drying operations for farmers.

The market, expected to boast between 14 and 20 stalls, will now be held on Saturday, September 30, from 9am-1.30.

"The location is ideal for the market, but it is just too busy at the moment because of the harvest," said Mr Alastair Davy, one of the main organisers. "But we are extremely grateful to Clive for offering us the site and just hope the public will come along and support us."

The group has been formed with the support of the Northern Dales Meat Initiative, of which Mr Davy is regional chairman, and Richmondshire District Council.

"We held our first market on Richmond cricket field and our second in Reeth," said Mr Davy, "Both were well supported, despite heavy rain at Reeth."

Stalls on the day are expected to include Swaledale lamb, Yorkshire Dales beef, pork and home made sausages, cured hams, Swaledale cheeses, preserves, fruit drinks, cakes, plants, herbs and soaps.

Mr Lee Morison, assistant economic development officer with Richmondshire Council, said the district was pleased to support the farmers.

Mr Simpson said he had offered Broken Brea as a site because he wanted to support local farmers. The farm already has a large retail business based there and has plenty of car parking space.

Broken Brae is on the Richmond to Brompton on Swale road.

l Cledale farmers market is due to be held at Sam Turner's, Northallerton, on Sunday, September 17.