HAMPSHIRE Farmers’ Market stallholders took a short break from their stalls to receive some awards in the middle of a busy market day.

The Hampshire Farmers’ Market (HFM) Awards – as voted for by the public – saw no posh frocks or black ties for the awards ceremony, just layers of thermals, body warmers and Antarctic headgear for the winning suppliers as stallholders took time out to have their efforts recognised.

The awards included The Best Produce, The Best Food to Go, The Best Dressed Stall and The Best Personality from the wide range of suppliers who sell their locally sourced produce at the HFM’s regular venues across the county, including Winchester, which is one of the largest farmers’ markets in the country, Alton, Andover, Cosham, Elvetham Heath, Emsworth, Odiham, Petersfield, Romsey and Southsea.

HFM Business Manager Alex Handford said: “No red carpet this year, just the appreciation of our market visitors who have turned out in all weathers to support their local producers, and who also appreciate the efforts our suppliers make to get to all our markets during the cold, wet and snowy weather – getting up very early and travelling from all corners of the county.”

The award winners are: * Best Produce – Bowtell’s Farm Shop, East Tisted.

* Best Food to Go – Broughton Water Buffalo – Broughton, Stockbridge.

* Best Dressed Stall – F. A. Secrett’s – Milford.

* Best Personality – The Flour Stall – Andover.

Alex added: “Our stallholders want to thank the public for voting for them and for supporting the markets. “Buying local not only helps the local economy, but local jobs as well. “Our stallholders also really enjoy the direct contact with our market customers, who also have the chance to talk to the producers and to sample the wide range of foods on offer.”

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets is a not-for-profit community interest organisation.

Visit hampshirefarmersmarkets. co.uk for a list of market locations and dates.