The new Ashford Farmers’ Market will be trading for the first time this Sunday.

It will be open in the lower High Street, with a total of around 15 stalls showing their wares between 10am and 2pm.

The new market has been organised by Ashford Borough Council in partnership with the Kent Farmers’ Market Association.

Rachel Heather, the newly appointed farmers’ market manager, said: “We are giving local producers a stage on which to showcase their products to new shoppers.

"These events always have a great buzz about them too; they provide a unique shopping experience where you can sample goods, chat with the producers directly and enjoy the atmosphere.”

Shoppers will be able to grab tea, coffee, cake or breakfast from one of the many street food stalls, pick up a selection of products from a diverse range of local traders, and watch chefs create dishes using fresh produce straight from the market stalls.

The market will be held in the town centre on the first Sunday of every month, with different seasonal themes throughout the year, along with chef demonstrations and street food.

There will also be free parking for customers in the Edinburgh Road car park.

The farmers’ market is part of the council’s drive to increase footfall in the town centre, particularly on Sundays, and to support local businesses. It is funded through the town’s Portas Pilot budget.