A VILLAGE market run by volunteers is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday.

Hovingham Village Market started with 20 stalls and now has an average of 60. It was set up following support from residents in their Community Plan of 2008-2009.

The previous Hovingham Market was established in 1252 by the charter of King Henry III, but closed in 1854 when the steam railway arrived in Hovingham.

Caroline Davies, from the Hovingham Market Group, said: “The objective of the market is to provide a monthly local market, championing local produce and crafts, together with providing local community groups a valuable opportunity to contact residents and for residents to meet in a friendly and safe environment.

Caroline said the market, which is established and run by the Hovingham Community, attracts more than 10,000 visitors every year.

She said: “A core team of 10 volunteers manage the market and this is supported by over 100 volunteers who assist on the day, bake cakes, count visitors and all the other countless tasks.

“The continued support of the community makes this all possible.

“In 10 years, nearly 300 local ‘businesses’ have run stalls at the market and we’ve also raised over £125,000 benefitting over 60 community groups. On Saturday we will celebrate the 10th anniversary with Sir William Worsley officially opening the market. We will also have a special cake made by some of our original stallholders. The cake will celebrate everything that is special about the market - high quality produce made locally and tasting great.”

For more information go to hovingham-market.org.uk