THE country's first permanent farmers' market will open in Canterbury later this month.

Susanna Atkins, who is from a Kent farming family, is behind the venture, which will be housed in the restored Victorian railway shed at Station Road West and open six days a week.

From July 24, stalls will sell meat, fish, dairy products, beverages, vegetables and flowers, all grown, reared, brewed or baked in Kent. A restaurant managed by Eat Earth chef, Blaise Vasseur, will also feature along with a bakery and juice bar.

Susanna Atkins said: "Producers will be able to make direct selling their mainstream business rather than a minor adjunct to their enterprise, cutting out the middlemen and getting a better prize for their produce.

"Twenty stall-holders from all over Kent are already signed up either on a full or part-time basis and more are still welcome."

The enterprise is being welcomed by Kent NFU. Chairman Maggie Berry said: 'I have great faith that Susanna's project will set the standard to be followed nationally. I'm delighted that Kent should be at the forefront of such an exciting and innovative development which will be of benefit to both farmers and consumers."