BARNARD Castle Farmers’ Market has come of age – and is just as popular with traders and customers now as when it was first established 21 years ago.
To celebrate the landmark, stallholders organised a raffle to win a hamper packed with their goods.
The winner was drawn by Roger Peat, one of the original stallholders on the mart.
Co-ordinator Carol Parker said the monthly farmers’ market on the cobbles continued to well.
“We are full. We have diversified over the years. As well as meat, cheese and jams, we now have things like chilli sauces.
“It continues to follow artisan rules and everything is made by the people who sell it.”
Ms Parker said people were just as enthusiastic, if not more so, to know where their food had come from and talk to those involved in its production.
“We have a lot of really loyal supporters who turn out whatever the weather to support the market.”
Mr Peat said that while his business had the shop in the town, he was quick to see the benefits of having a stall in the farmers’ market when it was launched.
Some traders, such as Lisa’s Fudge and Westholme Farm are longstanding traders in the market, while others have come and gone over the years.
The winner of the raffle was Eve Galloway, who lives near Staindrop.
