A partnership has been launched to help boost business for Hampshire farmers.

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets (HFM) and the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s (CPRE) Hampshire branch have come together to promote awareness.

Alex Handford, HFM business development manager, said: “We have eight regular markets across the county each month and also have markets at other special events throughout the year.

"They’re a perfect place for our new strategic partners to meet like-minded people.

“Our strategic partnerships are all about working with organisations that have similar goals to those of Hampshire Farmers’ Markets to benefit our producers and farmers and the county as a whole.

“Working in alliance with CPRE Hampshire means that together we have a stronger voice. As a partner of CPRE Hampshire, we’ll seek to promote the other’s activities to our members.”

Most recently CPRE Hampshire and volunteers have been showcasing their work at selected Hampshire Farmers’ Markets, as well as promoting HFM at their events including at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show.

Daily Echo: Alex Handford, business development manager for the Hampshire Farmers’ Markets (left) with Michael Rescorle, director CPRE Hampshire at one of the HFM markets 

Michael Rescorle, director of CPRE Hampshire, added: “CPRE Hampshire fights for a better future for the countryside and works to protect, shape and enhance a beautiful, thriving countryside.

“Rural communities and businesses are an integral part of the countryside so CPRE Hampshire is delighted to form a partnership with Hampshire Farmers Markets so that it can support the rural economy and local foods.”

Staff at Lyburn Cheeses – a longstanding member of HFM – have also been celebrating their own promotion after getting a visit from Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman, who turned up to film part of his new TV programme Holiday of my Lifetime.

The show takes famous faces back in time to recreate their childhood holidays. This episode features Janet Ellis recalling visits to a dairy farm near Romsey.

Mike Smales of Lyburn Cheeses said: “The BBC were filming for a few hours with Len and Janet who enjoyed making some of our Stoney Cross cheese.

“The programme is due to be transmitted sometime in October.”