Okehampton Farmers' Market has received a timely financial boost from the town's chamber of trade.

After reading of the market's plight in the Times, the chamber has pledged a £200 donation to the market — the amount matches the reduction in pitch rent offered by the Okehampton United Ecclesiastical Trust over six months, starting January 2012.

In October, the organisers of the market were refused a six-month 'rent holiday' by Okehampton Town Council. The farmers' market wanted the rent break in a bid to attract new stallholders.

Now the team behind the monthly market is hoping the financial assistance from the chamber will help to attract new stalls.

The market takes place on the third Saturday of each month outside the chapel on Fore Street.

Stallholders pay a fee of £2 to the council each market day for a pitch, a further £5 to the Ecclesiastical Trust and £10 to cover costs, including marketing and insurance.

The Ecclesiastical Trust has agreed to lower its monthly fee to £2 per stall to help assist the market's recruitment drive for new stallholders.

Farmers' market treasurer Jim White said: 'The money given by the chamber of trade will reduce fees by £3 for eleven stallholders a month, which is currently the average number of stalls each month.

'It is fantastic news, which is very welcome at the moment.

'It will help to reduce pitch fees for stallholders over the six-month period which we hope, combined with a possible reinterpretation of the group's constitution, will help to draw in more local producers in the new year.

'We have been greatly heartened by the support which the farmers' market has recently received, both in written and verbal communications as well as financially. We would like to thank all concerned.

'The ethos of the farmers' market is to help customers get access to quality, locally grown food and hand-made products, and support the local economy in the process.

'We have a fantastic and committed core of stallholders who already provide an excellent range of quality locally made products.

'It is our fervent hope that we can offer an even greater level of choice and variety to local shoppers as even more local producers join us in the coming months.'

The market welcomed two new stallholders to its latest market on Saturday November 19, Halwill Country Breakfast and Herbs and Spices Ltd.

Ian Bailey, chairman of the chamber of trade , said: 'We found out about the financial troubles the market is having through the article in the Times.

'It's the first meeting we've had since that article, and the first chance to discuss the market. The chamber of trade was initially involved in the founding of the farmers' market in the town, and we felt rather parental about it.

'The chamber feels the market gives a boost to the town's economy, and supports small local businesses. When we saw it needed financial help, we were delighted to offer our support.'

The next market takes place on Saturday December 17. Customers will be able to order their turkey and Christmas trees for delivery, and buy other local produce, including meats, preserves, pies, cheeses, breads and gifts for Christmas.