New Forest residents are being offered the chance to buy fresh-from-the-farm food at a series of producers' markets.

The markets will be held at Beaulieu, Lymington and Lyndhurst every Sunday as part of a campaign to promote produce grown in the area.

Consumers will be able to buy a selection of goods, including organic fruit and vegetables, homemade cakes and award-winning sausages.

The events will provide an outlet for farmers, commoners and smallholders who do not produce enough to take part in farmers' markets. They will also sell items other than food.

The first producers' market was held yesterday at Beufre Great Barn, Beaulieu, which will be one of the regular venues.

An opening ceremony was performed by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, and the chairman of New Forest Council, Lt-Col Mike Shand.

Alex Glanville, the Beaulieu Estate's resident agent, said: "All the produce is from the Forest or just over the boundary. The concept is similar to farmers' markets, but involves a wider range of goods."

The next two markets will take place at the Masonic Hall, Lymington, on October 17 and Lyndhurst Community Centre on October 24, both starting at 10am.