HAMPSHIRE'S first farmer's market proved a hit, with more than 10,000 people pouring into Winchester to buy locally-grown food.

A fruit farmer from Lymington in the New Forest sold out of strawberries within the first half-hour and had to replenish her stocks four times during the day.

"We sold more than 500lbs and we also sold out of tomatoes," said Linda Boyd. "It was a very successful day and we have already booked a stall for the next market in July."

The markets are being piloted in the city by the county council and the National Farmers' Union in a bid to support Hampshire's hard-pressed agricultural industry.

A total of 32 farmers and growers set up stalls next to the Brooks Shopping Centre, covering a range of produce such as exotic mush-rooms, sheep's milk cheese, honey, free range eggs, trout and pork.

"The market was really buzzing all day and people told us they were not there for low prices, but because the stallholders were selling locally-grown produce," said the council's busi-ness development manager, Frances Fee.

"Unfortunately, some people who came in the afternoon were a bit disappointed because a lot of the stalls had already sold out. "Many members of the public were asking us to hold the markets every week," she added.

The next is to be held in July and a third is planned for September 26.

The council is exploring the possibility of holding the markets in other parts of Hampshire, such as the New Forest and Basingstoke.

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