A FARMERS' market with fresh local produce attracted Christmas shoppers to Pocklington on Saturday.

The smell of sausages, eggs, vegetables, fish, potatoes, cheese, jams and home baking filled the air when the first farmer's market was held in the town at the weekend.

The special event was opened by Lord Halifax and local vet David Jennings.

Norma Jennings, chairwoman of the Oak House Rural Focus, which arranged the market, said: "We are very conscious of the difficult times faced by farmers today and these markets are endeavouring to bring to the attention of the general public the vast wealth of good and varied produce from our region."

Updated: 09:25 Thursday, December 13, 2001