Barnard Castle country market hoping for a spring boost in trade

A COUNTRY market is hoping to attract new customers with a range of homemade food and crafts this spring.
Some 18 members are now part of the country market, in Barnard Castle, offering sweet and savoury food, preserves such as jams and marmalade, and crafts like jewellery, knitted goods and cards.
Market manager Ruth Brown said a large number of those who call in at the Parish Hall on a Wednesday are visitors to the town. She added: “Our locals are dwindling unfortunately. It is amazing that there are people in Barnard Castle who still do not know about us, even though we have been here for years.”
The market has been part of the town for the past 42 years.
However, the manager said the market still has a loyal customer base who return week after week.
She said: “It is a testament to the quality of our produce.”
Regular visitor Anne Gurhill added: “I come for the chat with these lovely ladies who produce excellent goods. I would rather spend money here than at a supermarket.”
Barnard Castle Country Market is open each Wednesday between 10am and noon. It is open throughout the year except over Christmas and January.