OKEHAMPTON Town Council has agreed to a second monthly farmers' market on Fore Street.

In July, market vendors launched a second monthly visit to the town outside the Okey Market, on the first Saturday of each month.

The venture was in addition to the market's regular outing every third Saturday outside St James' Chapel on Fore Street.

Following a six-month trial period, the farmers' market have written to the town council to ask for their support to move the second monthly market to outside St James' Chapel.

Jim White, treasurer for the farmers' market, said: 'Over the last six months, we have had our trial period outside Okey Market. This was at the invitation of the proprietor of Okey Market, and it has been very successful. We are very grateful for being allowed to open there.

'We would like to carry on a twice-monthly market, and we feel having a presence in Fore Street at both markets would be favourable as opposed to swapping each time.'

The town council were keen to support the proposal, agreeing to extend their market rental agreement. Cllr Jan Goffey said: 'The fact that the market finds a higher footfall in the town centre is very encouraging. I am all for anything that brings people into the town centre.'

Cllr Maureen McDonald said: 'I am a great supporter of this idea, as I am very keen on the farmers' market. Keeping the market in Fore Street makes it much more visible for passing trade.'

As well as paying rent to the town council, stallholders also pay a fee to the Okehampton United Ecclesiastical Trust.

Once the move has been fully cleared with the trust, it is hoped that the new market meeting on Fore Street can take place in January.