AN AWARD-WINNING North Yorkshire village market - run entirely by volunteers - is set to return after 18 months absence.

Hovingham Village Market will be held on Saturday, November 6, from 10.30am until 1.30pm at Hovingham Village Hall.

There will be more than 35 stalls - featuring the local produce, arts and crafts with live acoustic guitar music.

The popular market day has not taken place since February 2020 because of disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Now that government restrictions have been lifted and social events have resumed across the wider Ryedale district, the market is ready to return.

Hovingham Village Market is held on the first Saturday of each month, excluding January, and with a second date in December.

The market will have a collection for The Royal British Legion while proceeds from the market’s community café will support local good causes, Scackleton Action Group and Scackleton Church.

Hovingham Village Market will also take place on December 24, 2021, December 18, 2021 and February 5, 2022.

Graham Mason, chair of the Hovingham Village Market Committee said: “It is with great delight that we can announce the much-anticipated return of our highly successful village market after such a long absence.

York Press: Market stallholder Richard Wood with plants for sale.Market stallholder Richard Wood with plants for sale.

“The committee did not feel it was right for the market to resume until government restrictions had ended and we could hold market days safely. After careful consideration, we have decided that now is the time to set the date for the market’s return. We can’t wait to welcome back our wonderfully supportive stall holders and loyal visitors.”

Face masks are optional at outdoor stalls but are encouraged to be worn in crowded spaces and when visiting stalls inside the Village Hall which will be kept well-ventilated at all times.

The number of market stalls has been reduced from pre-pandemic levels. This will give visitors more space to move between stalls. Hand sanitiser will also be available.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is asked not to attend and to follow government advice on self-isolation.

Visitors are asked to avoiding parking on grass verges to prevent any unnecessary damage.

The post code for a Sat Nav is YO62 4JU, organisers said.