A REGULAR farmers' and craft market is returning to Tewkesbury for the first time in six years.

The markets, which will run from Saturday, March 8 through to December will take place on the second Saturday of each month at the Abbey Lawns Car Park, off Gander Lane.

It follows the success of three trial markets held in October, November and December last year – all of which were so popular that many traders sold out of produce.

Fresh local meats, homemade cakes, breads, chocolates, preserves, seasonal fruit and vegetables will be on offer along with a wide range of traditional and contemporary crafts made by local artists and craftspeople.

The markets, which will be the first regular farmers’ market for six years, are being organised by the Tewkesbury Town Team in partnership with Grenchurch Markets and supported by Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Cllr Dave Waters, Tewkesbury Borough Council's Lead Member for Economic Development and Promotion, said: "We’re delighted to be supporting these new farmers’ and craft markets for 2014.

"The trials held last year proved to be a sell-out success, and it was very clear to see that a regular market would go down well in Tewkesbury.”

Made up of local retailers, representatives of local business groups and members of Tewkesbury Town Centre Community Engagement Advisory Group (CEAG), Tewkesbury Town Team was set up as part of the national Mary Portas High Street Review and received £10,000 of government funding aimed at revitalising town centres.

Dave Joynes, Director of Grenchurch Markets, said: "We are really pleased to be involved in Tewkesbury Farmers and Craft Market and happy that it is back as a regular event for 2014.

"We would also like to thank the local producers and craft people who have supported the market and the local community who have come along to visit."

For details and dates of each market, visit visittewkesbury.info.