VISITORS to Okehampton Farmers' Market went away with full tummies on Saturday after celebrated local chef Graham Leedom of Cherryford House, Gidleigh served up a selection of delicious dishes.

Once again the monthly market had something special up its sleeve to tempt visitors — and all the ingredients used in the cookery demonstration could be bought on site.

Graham Leedom came to Devon after many years teaching the specialities of cuisine and kitchencraft to many of the now household names including Anthony Worrall-Thompson and Anton Mossiman.

Marketgoers tucked into such dishes as escalopes of salmon in a whisky and mushroom sauce, lamb hot-pot and sausages in a beer and onion sauce.

Market organiser Derek Godfrey-Brown, who is a staunch campaigner of local food for local people, said the event had been very successful.

'We have a wonderful range of good, wholesome local produce and what better way to show it off than to utilise the skills of Graham Leedom,' he said.

'In the same way as the County of Kent has been dubbed 'The Garden of England' it would be appropriate to christen our beloved county as the 'Food Basket' because of the range and indeed the quality of the produce.'

Producers who attended the market on Saturday included Friends Quality Meats of Wadland Barton, Ashbury; Dartmoor Happy Hogs from Whiddon Down; Westlake Orchards, Beaworthy; Dunns Dairy of Whiddon Down; Blissful Buffalo and Organic Vegetables from Holsworthy.

Okehampton Farmers' Market has been running for three years now and wherever appropriate Mr Godfrey-Brown tries to link in themes with local and national events.

Apple Day last month was celebrated at Okehampton Farmers' Market with an apple awareness demonstration where older Devon varieties were available to taste.

Further information about becoming a market stallholder or local food in general can be obtained from Mr Godfrey-Brown on 01837 53158.