IT was back with a bang.

Hundreds of people flocked to Southampton as Hampshire Farmers Markets made a triumphant return to the city.

Despite grey weather, spirits were high as shoppers were quick to snap up bargains from some of Hampshire's top producers.

It was the first time that the market has been in the city since 2007, and traders were delighted with the response from shoppers.

As reported, for the past nine years people in Southampton have had to venture out to markets at Romsey and Winchester to get their hands on treats grown by the county's own producers.

Now the market is set to continue at Guildhall Square - and may even become a monthly feature should trade go well.

Shoppers enjoyed a variety of tasty treats from 20 stalls, including pastries from Southampton's Hoxton Bakehouse, and meat from Ambrose Sausages and Totton's Newhouse Venision and Game. There were even stalls from the Isle of Wight and East Sussex.

Bringing the country character to the market was music from Irish folk band the Troppies, and Farnham-based musician Marian.

Hampshire Farmers Markets business manager Alex Handford said: "I am very pleased with it, it has gone well. It is very heartening especially as it's wet and damp in January.

"People are coming out and buying and I am very pleased and we need to build on this if we are back on a regular basis."

Also at the market was Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith, who declared the market's return a huge triumph for Southampton.

He said: "There is so much on offer. I challenge anyone to come here and not be able to find something to buy.

Traders and customers were delighted with the event, and all the traders the Daily Echo spoke to, said they are looking forward to returning to the city.

Phil Ambrose, owner of Ambrose Sausages, based at Lower Upham, said: "Trade is going really well a lot of people are turning out and people are glad to have it back and you can see that by the amount of people coming out already."

Jim Hooper, from Berry Hill Farm, who was selling an array of vegetables, said he was pleased with the turnout, and was even running out of stock.

He said: "The customers keep saying they wish there was more stalls, but today has been good for me and I will definitely be back in May."

Also impressed was Gayle Fentiman, 29, from Ocean Village who was joined by her friends Frankie Carr and Rachel Bone.

Gayle said: "I have only just moved here. It is really nice to have this kind of event here, it has been really good."

The market will return on May 22, July 24 and October 23 from 10am to 2pm in Guildhall Square.

PANEL Heika Humphreys and her family enjoyed the return of the market. The 51-year-old, who lives in the city centre, bought a variety of goods including carrots, pies, mushrooms and eggs.

Heike who works as a project controller, said: “We will be coming back if it is regular and once a month again.

“It is great to have it back in Southampton. My only complaint is there is no cheese.

“It is really good value and cheaper than local supermarkets. It is good value and it is supporting local produce.”

Michelle Wenham was quick to snap up a bargain at the market.

The 42-year-old administrator from Maybush, Southampton, bought cake, crab, kale and pies and was glad to see the market return to the city.

Michelle said: “I normally go to Winchester but it is nice it’s in Southampton. I thought there would be more stalls though but I am glad they have come here. It is a nice big area for it.”