A farmers’ market which has run for 22 years is set to close, with organisers describing the decision as “gut wrenching”.

A fall in customers has been cited as the reason for ending the weekly fayre in Egerton, Ashford, next month, on December 20.

Bosses behind the market, which is held at Millennium Hall every Friday afternoon, say they have tried their hardest to make the venture work, but traders could not justify their stalls, as the number of visitors dwindled.

A statement on the market’s Facebook page reads: “It is with extreme heavy hearts and huge regret we now have to close Egerton Farmers’ Market.

“For those who support us will know that it was not an easy decision or one that was made lightly.

“The market had 22-and-a-half years of being part of the Egerton community, and beyond, and for one reason or another the support that we once had has left us.

“Many a tear has been shed. It has totally been a gut-wrenching decision we have had to make [and] it’s like a punch in the gut to be honest - we've tried so hard for so long now.”

"Believe us when we say we have explored every single avenue that was open to us before making this decision," they add.

“Unfortunately, the lack of support from the villagers and customers we once attracted further afield no longer made their visits to the market a regular to do.

“In turn this affected the producers who were gradually taking less and less money and could not sustain themselves being there.

“Every time a producer left we did our best to replace them, and, at first, the support they received was great and then it waned off.

“So we know it’s not what our producers are selling but the lack of custom."

The statement finishes by reflecting on the many memories made at the market, and the sellers the organisers have met over the years.

The market has been trading since 2002, offering baked goods, meat and groceries, as well as flower stalls and baby clothes.

Ceramic artist Jane Richardson, who traded at the market from 2005 to 2007, before moving to her own studio, says the closure will be felt by the community.

She said: "I remember selling my first pottery pieces there.

"I'd bring my son and sell pottery as he slept in a Moses basket then as he started to crawl we'd shut the doors so he didn't escape.

"So the market really kickstarted my business and allowed me to gain confidence.

"It has had such a big impact on me personally, but also on the business as I still have some of the same, loyal clients.

"It was nerve-racking going out and selling your things, but it is such a lovely little place where I could do that.

"The effect it will have will be huge as it's such an artistic and beautiful community.

"You can meet people and get to know others and support their businesses."

Meanwhile, Gilly Dennis added: “I am so sorry to hear this.

“Thank you for letting me sell my chutneys and jams and all my other bits at your market - we made and met lovely friends.”