THE cloud that has hung over Hatherleigh since the beginning of the foot and mouth crisis was lifted for a few hours on Tuesday as the streets came alive again with the sights and sounds of a bustling market.

For the first time in six weeks, the first real sense of optimism took hold as people poured into town to sample the goods on sale and savour the party atmosphere.

'There was a real sense of celebration — the Post Office even put balloons out,' said one of the market organisers Veronica Griffiths. 'Morale has been so low and I think this really has helped.

'The stallholders were thrilled to be back and the shops were busy again.'

More than 30 stall-holders, who have been unable to trade since the closure of the Hatherleigh Market — an early casualty of the foot and mouth outbreak — started to line the streets at 7am, and a couple of hours later there were people everywhere. For a town that has seen more journalists than visitors over the past few weeks it was a welcome treat.

The decision was made to hold regular markets again at last week's Hatherleigh crisis meeting for local businesses, where a plan of action was put in place to entice visitors back and promote the message that the town was open for business.

Mrs Griffiths said the market, which will take place every Tuesday — the town's traditional market day — was a step in the right direction.

'With the cattle market closed and people trapped in their homes because of the crisis, we have not seen anyone for six weeks,' she said. 'This was a real social occasion where people could come and talk and have a drink and just get back to a little normality.

'The market has always been the hub of Hatherleigh and it was a good place to start to help regenerate the town. Tuesday has always been a busy day and from now on it will continue to be.'

Town mayor Dennis Bater, who owns a fish and chip shop in Hatherleigh, said there had been a big improvement in trade on Tuesday.

'The town was very upbeat and I think everybody is thankful they can get out and about again. Everyone enjoyed it and it is a very positive step forward,' he said.

Stallholder Mike Sherborne from Monkleigh, who was selling fruit and veg, and meat, including his own home-made sausages, said it was a lovely day and he would be back every Tuesday.

'Half of my business comes from attending the markets,' he said. 'It's great to be back and I hope the market goes from strength to strength for the sake of the local economy and the people of Hatherleigh, because they are lovely people.'