By Julie Morgan

Last updated 16:07, Wednesday, 24 September 2008

A NEW farmer and craft market is coming to Whitehaven.

Beginning on October 11 from 10am-2pm – and on the second Saturday of each month – it will offer locally produced fruit and vegetables, plants, eggs, baked goods, cheeses and meat, alongside chutneys, jams and preserves and hand-made chocolate.

Visitors to the market, in the United Reformed Church’s main hall and car park on James Street, will also be able to buy jewellery, Christmas decorations, children’s clothes, dolls’ houses, household items made from recycled products, cards and calendars.

Made in Cumbria and Fairtrade products will be on sale and there will be live music as well as a cafe run by the church supporting a local charity. There will also be a special Christmas Market and Fair held on December 13.

The idea for the market, which is aided by a regeneration grant from Copeland Council, arose at a meeting of the James St Traders and has been organised by Martin Gerrish of The Tenth Bull,  Stephanie Mason of the United Reformed Church, Dianne Richardson of Whitehaven Business and Education Centre and Julie Palmer of the Barbers Shop.

It is also supported by Carole Woodman, a co-ordinator for Egremont Farmers’ Market.

Mr Gerrish said: “We hope this market will bring some new life to the town. It is not only a real market with a range of goods to buy, it will support  local producers and craftspeople.

“We all want to see Whitehaven thriving in this turbulent economic climate and this market could be one way forward.’’

If you are a producer or work with crafts and are interested in having a stall, contact Martin at The Tenth Bull on 01946 61919.