A WIDE range of fine farm food was today on offer at the first Easingwold farmers' market.

The markets are being run by Yorkshire Ridings Produce with the backing of Easingwold Town Council.

Produce on offer today, included fruit, vegetables, pork, chicken, venison, wild boar, beef, fish and cakes.

Councillor Geoff Ellis, town council market sub-committee chairman, said: "We expect the holding of a farmers' market in Easingwold each month will be an added facility where residents of the area can purchase produce direct from the producers.

"We expect good support from the public. The holding of farmers' markets in other towns in North Yorkshire has seen a noticeable increase in the number of shoppers and visitors, which has also been beneficial to the existing commercial sector."

The markets will be held in Easingwold Market Place on the third Wednesday of every month, from 9am to 1pm.

Updated: 11:39 Wednesday, January 22, 2003