BEST in the South West — that"s the accolade that has been bestowed on Tavistock Farmers' Market. And now the popular market has been shortlisted to win the national title. The market received the highest number of public votes ahead of Swindon and Carruan, near Camelford in Cornwall after food experts nominated 18 farmers' markets across the UK in the Country Life and Strutt and Parker competition. It will now go head to head with Huntingdon (Cambridgeshire), Moseley (Birmingham), Edinburgh, Deddington (Oxfordshire) and Chepstow in the final decision to find Britain's favourite farmers' market. Flying the flag for Tavistock is acclaimed chef John Burton Race who said: 'Tavistock farmers' market is great because it shows off the very best of local and regional produce. 'It provides a shop window for the high quality ingredients in the South West and has established itself as a fortnightly social occasion that brings the whole community together.' Named best food town in the West Country earlier this year and the nation's best market town in 2004, this latest accolade has been greeted with intense excitement. Market manager Maria Jones said it was 'just fantastic'. 'I can't believe it,' she said as the Times delivered the news. 'To beat towns like Swindon, which will have a huge market and a much greater footfall, it just proves the quality of produce we have here and the reputation Tavistock is gaining with other awards like best food town.' Started just over five years ago by a small group of people, the market is now run by an association with a cross-section of members from all aspects of the community and has a regular steering group to deal with any issues and assist with new ideas. 'It's gone from strength to strength,' said Mrs Jones. 'We have over 20 stalls all-year round, many of whom are award-winning. 'Whatever the weather the market runs, it may be gales, snowstorms or extreme hot temperatures, the local following is tremendous and that's what the producers love about Tavistock.' Mrs Jones said the friendly atmosphere, the position in Bedford Square, easy parking, and organisation of the market ticked all the boxes with the judges. 'It's a huge, huge team effort but we do not rest on our laurels — we are always looking at ways of improving it and take on board our customers and producers' comments.' The market manager said the association had not bowed to the pressure of introducing goods outside the realm of farmers' produce. 'Some people want to see bags and clothes and be able to do all their shopping but this is a real farmers' market where farmers come and sell their produce to the community — that is what we are proud of and that is the way it will always be.' Regular stallholder Anne Rogers, of Oak Croft Produce at Virginstowe, said she rated Tavistock very high up on the list of farmers' markets she attended. 'We would like the market to run every week if it could. It has everything going for it and markets like this make the difference between being able to farm and not being able to farm.'