Surbiton Farmers Market: Market of the year

The Maple Road Surbiton Farmers' has won an award to become Farmers' Market of the Year.

It was in the national Farmers' Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) Awards.  

The award was presented at the Farm & More show in Harrogate last night by FARMA patron and TV chef, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (pictured).

One of eight finalists nationwide and the only one in the London area, the Maple Road market beat off strong competition from markets in Haverford West, Hertford, Holmfirth, Kings Norton, Newcastle and St Ives in Cambridgeshire.

FARMA judge Gareth Jones said: "This is an exciting Farmers' Market which shows what can be achieved when people are determined to make things happen."

Standards at the market are very high and the food is superb.' Receiving the award, and a brass handbell to open and close the market, were volunteers Natalie Kontarsky (right) and Alison Ewbank.