Queenborough's first Saturday quayside market on the Isle of Sheppey has been branded a success.

Harbour Trust chairman Desmond Cross said: "We were thrilled to see so many visitors from across the Island. We'd also like to thank all our stallholders for getting involved.

"We've had lots of feedback and ideas and already have developments in the pipeline to make the market bigger and better."

He added: "We were delighted to launch this new offer and to see first-hand how it helped lift Queenborough’s economy as we begin the slow road to recovery.

"We were particularly pleased to be able to showcase such a wide variety of businesses and hope to expand this as the market grows. We were extremely grateful for the support from partners in getting this new venture off the ground."

The harbour trust says it has "big plans" to develop the market and is keen to hear from local producers such as butchers, greengrocers, photographers, cheesemongers and florists.

The market was opened by Swale councillor Cameron Beart and Queenborough mayor Zoë Swarbrick. Cllr Beart said: "It was fantastic to see so many people from across the Island paying a visit throughout the day and to see stalls selling out and taking orders.

"It was also amazing to see the knock-on effect with queues forming outside other local businesses which was great news for the local economy. The foundations have firmly been laid. There is certainly room to grow. I thank Queenborough Harbour Trust for all it hard work."

Traders at the first market included homemade cakes from Major Bakes, John’s Kitchen showcasing local pickles and preserves, Mary Pragnell Embroidery with clothing and gifts, Tømrar selling homemade furniture, K&N Wax melts, Blue Star Crafts with hand-painted fairy doors, J&B’s Barkery selling homemade natural artisan dog treats and the charity Curly’s Farm from Bay View, Leysdown.

Kyle Ratcliffe of Curly’s Farm said: “We were thrilled to be involved in this new venture. Having the opportunity to showcase not only our produce but to raise awareness of our farm to a new audience was fantastic. We are grateful to Queenborough Harbour Trust for organising it and supporting our business.”

The summer market returned yesterday (Saturday) from 10am to 3pm with the addition of Bosun's Stores and will be back next weekend.

Queenborough Harbour Trust is a not-for-profit community-interest company set up to develop and improve the harbour and promote the area to visitors while securing additional benefits for the local community.

Plans are being developed for a new art showcase in Queenborough for Island artists and painters to display and sell their artwork.

For more information, visit www.queenborough-harbour.co.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey