THE RETURN of a farmers’ market to a Hampshire town has proved such a success that it is set to become a monthly event.

Shoppers and businesses were so thrilled to have the Hampshire Farmers’ Market (HFM) back in Ringwood after a four-year absence, that they called for it to be a regular occurrence.

Organisers of the HFM were more than happy to meet their demands and have worked with The Furlong community to make a monthly market a reality.

Markets have been booked right through until November in the town, with the next one taking place this Saturday. A Summer Food Festival has also been booked for June 21.

Alex Handford, business manager for HFM, said: “We are all thrilled with the success of this first market at Ringwood and the response from the public.

“Many of our local producers at the market reported customers requesting a regular monthly market and it is great that we are in a position to be able to respond so positively and so quickly to that demand.

“We were also very pleased with the additional number of visitors that the market attracted to The Furlong and the feedback from the retailers has been very favourable too.”

He added: “It has been good to work in collaboration with the retailers and the community to ensure that this market will be sustainable and give the people of Ringwood the opportunity to buy lots of interesting local produce, support local producers and the local economy.”

Shoppers can choose from a wide range of produce including award-winning meats, home-made cakes, and apple juice from Hampshire as well as plants and crafts.

Charlie Reed, marketing manager for The Furlong, added: “It’s great to see such a buzz and to smell all the delicious produce. We look forward to continuing this positive relationship for many years to come.”