ORGANISERS of a new monthly market in the Blackdown Hills hope it will unite the village.

Awliscombe Parish Hall will be a buzz of stalls and shoppers on the morning of Saturday, April 21, when the village holds its first market.

"It's about 15 years since there has been somewhere to buy a variety of goods in the parish, and even then it was from a delivery van," said Jenny Archard, who has been busy organising the market since before Christmas with fellow locals Carole Lock and Sally Lawrence.

"This will be the first time a regular market has taken place for a while."

The Awliscombe and Weston Village Market will be held on the third Saturday of each month and will feature lots of local producers selling meats, fish, vegetables, cakes, cards, crafts, plants, eggs, cheese and much more.

The idea for a market came out of the Parish Plan, when villagers were asked for their views and ideas.

Carole said: "We really want somewhere each month for people to come and meet, where they can buy local and catch up with friends at the same time. It's all about community spirit."

The first market takes place from 10am to midday on April 21 and will be opened by Mark Diacono, who grows olives and fruit on his farm.

The second market is on Saturday, May 19.

At each one a different local organisation will run the kitchen making teas and coffees, and any money they make goes back to their group.

For more information on the market, call Carole on 01404 47986, Jenny on 01404 549488 or Sally on 01404 42825.