TAVISTOCK Farmers' Market will celebrate a year of fantastic growth at its first birthday market this Saturday, August 24.

A pilot scheme of Saturday morning farmers' markets in Bedford Square was first held in summer 2000. Following the foot and mouth outbreak, plans were put on hold, and the first full market was held in August 2001.

At the first market some 20 farmers arrived to sell produce, grown or reared by them, direct to the public.

The market came about thanks to the work of a team of dedicated people arranging for funding and grants to enable market stalls to be purchased.

When the farmers' market started it was held monthly, but it has proved so successful it has now expanded to be held on a fortnightly basis.

In its first year the market has grown to 24 producers, all selected from within a 30-mile radius of Tavistock.

The market now sells fresh vegetables in season, cider and apple from Devon orchards, ostrich meat, buffalo meat and cheese, home-made farmhouse bread and much more.

Organisers say the great appeal of the farmers' market is the freshness of the produce, which has often been picked in the early hours of that morning.

Elizabeth Rickeard, of the Olive Grove, from Bere Alston, says: 'My tomatoes and courgettes are picked on the morning of the market at about 4am to ensure freshness.'

At this special anniversary market, the borough and town mayors, Cllr Richard Phillips and Cllr Ken Sanders, and the town crier will be in attendance.

The mayors will draw the winner of the star prize of a meal for two at the Dartmoor Inn, at Lydford. Tickets for the draw have been given to everyone who has purchased a copy of the Devon Farmers' Market Cookbook.

Philip and Karen Burgess, of the Dartmoor Inn, will be accompanied by head chef Ian Brown, and will be cooking samples of dishes for shoppers to try.