LUDLOW local produce market comes of age today.

Tradre will be raising a glass to celebrate their 18th Birthday.

When the Local Produce Market first started on just the second Thurday of the month it was one of the first regular farmers markets in the UK. Now every second and fourth Thursday of the month, the market’s stallholders are all ‘producers’ selling their own food and drink, made from within a 30-mile radius of Ludlow.

With a choice from fresh lamb, mutton, beef and duck alongside organic vegetables, local unsprayed fruit and new arrivals including locally roasted fair-trade coffee beans to locally made Indian street food. With 43 stalls to fill, Ludlow boasts one of the largest regular farmers’ markets in the three counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Over the past 18 years, the market has put on many additional activities including farm tours, bee-friendly days, kids cookery, apple days, chef demos and the selling of over 8,000 reusable jute shopping bags. Market Manager Tish Dockerty said it provides a showcase for local produce.

Tish Dockerty, Market manager says: “There’s something truly special about Ludlow Local Produce Market. It’s a genuine showcase of the fantastic produce from throughout this beautiful area of the Marches and also provides a platform for innovative producers making the most of local ingredients. From handmade veggie burgers to the finest lamb and beef, from spicy snacks to delicious local apple juices, I’m delighted that not only were we one of the first farmers’ markets in the UK but that we are continuing to be hugely successful in our 18th year of trading.”