ALTRINCHAM was flooded with animals last Friday to mark the launch of Altrincham Farmers' Market.

Sheep and baby chicks were on display at the market in the town centre, as part of the National Farmers' Union roadshow.

And local farmers were selling products ranging from organic wine to ostrich meat.

The market was launched after consultation with the public over the historic market quarter suggested it would be a popular feature.

It aims to revitalise the town centre, providing a meeting place for the community and attracting more customers to the area.

It also hopes to help farmers, by bringing them closer to the community and allowing them to sell their produce directly to customers, rather than having to sell it to a middleman.

Trafford's Altrincham area manager, Sonia Cubrilo, said: "This is a marvellous opportunity for local residents to buy organic food from local producers.

"Residents and members of the council thought we should have more local produce."

Richard Eamer, manager of the market on behalf of the director of finance and property, said: "The council is committed to bringing benefits to the town.

"The idea is to improve the market on Fridays, and there are certainly more people here today than there normally are on Fridays."

One farmer at the market, Bill Pimlott, had travelled from Hesketh Bank Farm in Preston to sell his vegetables. He said: "The market makes a big difference to us.

"It's great to meet customers, and there's a really friendly atmosphere here. It gives people a chance to buy good, fresh products."

And Diane Ogden, from Dunham Massey Farm, said: "The market gives us some good publicity. Customers have said that they've driven past the farm in the past but they didn't know what we sell."

The market will be held monthly on Fridays.

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