Ripon farmers' markets are being backed by traders as well as shoppers, one of the organisers has claimed.

Bernard Bateman, chairman of Ripon City Partnership and a North Yorkshire county councillor, was answering criticism that the weekend markets were unfair competition for shops.

Butcher Peter Buck, who is shortly opening a shop in Ripon's North Street, had said he would have second thoughts about the venture if farmers' markets became more popular.

He confirmed this week that he was going ahead, although he will keep up pressure to ensure the markets operate under the strict standards demanded of high street shops.

"We have backing from Ripon Chamber of Trade, the City Council and managers of major stores whose trade has gone up because people have been coming in to shop at the market," said Coun Bateman.

A Saturday market, on September 23, rather than the usual Sunday date, was a one-off to coincide with Ripon hosting the Market Towns Association's annual conference, he said