SHOPPERS at last weekend's farmers' market in Okehampton had the rare opportunity to buy goods from Palestine, thanks to a special stall.

The stall within St James' Chapel was selling fairtrade olive oil, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, couscous and almonds, as well as olive oil soap.

The stall highlighted the plight of the average Palestinian farmer, and had steady trade throughout the day.

Those who visited the stall were able to taste the olive oil, which started coming into UK markets in the last 12 months. The olives are organically grown and hand-picked, and the oil is cold-pressed.

The products were brought to Okehampton by Just Living, a Christian charitable group.

Produce was being sold on the stall marginally above the wholesale prices.

The Rev David Muir said: 'We are delighted that so many people have come into the chapel this morning and bought produce that will make a real difference to ordinary Palestinian families. People could see the important of doing this kind of thing.'

Throughout the event, a video loop was playing at the front of the chapel, showing an excerpt from a Channel 4 programme about the olive oil. It is brought to the UK by Zaytoun, on behalf of the Palestinian co-operatives that grow and process the produce. This trading link provides a long term and healthy way to support farmers, as opposed to sending aid.

Following the success of the event, these Palestinian products will be available at the monthly market at St James' Chapel in the coming months, with the next market on September 15.