FESTIVE fun for all the family will be on offer when a Christmas Farmers' Market rolls into Winchester this weekend.

Pitches have been booked for 80 stalls which will be packed with locally produced yuletide goodies such as free-range turkeys, cakes, Christmas puddings, wine from Hampshire vineyards and beer from Itchen Valley Brewery.

Customers will also be able to fill their Christmas Day cheese boards with a new Hampshire-style gouda cheese, as well as flavoured cream cheeses.

Last minute stocking fillers, including lavender products from Selborne and specialist jams and pickles will also be on sale.

A stilt-walking jester and a group of carol singers will be in the market place, at Middle Brook Street, to entertain visitors and get them into a festive mood.

The market has been organised by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Winchester City Council and will be open from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, Dec-ember 10.

The chairman of the county's economic prosperity sub-committee, Michael Woodhall, said: "The Winchester farmers' market offers an excellent opportunity for people to stock up with fresh, locally produced food and drink for the festive season.

"There will be a variety of Hampshire products on sale, which should help make this Christmas one to remember."

Next year's farmers' market programme will kick off on January 28, with 11 events planned for Winchester during 2001 and 50 to be held in other parts of the county.

Further information about the programme can be obtained by ringing the special Hampshire Farmers' Market hotline on 01962 845135.