A FARMERS market selling all sorts of fresh goods from preserves to ostrich meat will be held for the first time in Widnes on Thursday, June 14.

Based at the open market site in the town, the new Farmers Market will run once a month to begin with and will welcome traders from within a 50 mile radius of Widnes selling a range of fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese, herbs and preserves, much of it organic.

Inclusion in this new part of the market will be strictly controlled. Traders must have produced the goods themselves and they must also staff their stalls with people who have been involved in the production so that they can give customers all the information they need about the goods.

A spokesperson for Widnes Market, said: This is an exciting development for Widnes and its shoppers as it will offer them a chance to buy locally grown and produced foods, much of which will be organic, right on their doorstep.

One of Halton Councils key priorities is to work with partners to create a healthier community and by providing an opportunity for this kind of high quality, healthy produce to be bought in the borough is fantastic.

The Farmers Market will run on every second Thursday in the month but may be increased to fortnightly if there is sufficient demand.

Widnes Market has been running since 1995 and is based in a new building with plenty of amenities and free parking.

The Farmers Market will join the 250 existing stalls at Widnes, which sell a wide range of products and attracts many customers every week.For more information about Widnes Market, please call 0151-471 7340.