THE organisers of a charity farmers’ market are celebrating after hitting a £2,000 milestone six months after it was launched.

Coggeshall Farmers’ Market returned for its fourth and final event of the year at Coggeshall Village Hall in Stoneham Street on Sunday.

So far, the event has raised cash for Honywood Pre School , St Peter’s Primary School, Farleigh Hospice, St Helena Hospice and the Coggeshall Youth Workers Trust.

Organiser Si Magee, of St Peter’s Road in Coggeshall, said: “This was our busiest one to date, we had 400-500 people here, not bad for a cold wet morning.

“This time we have raised money for Essex Air Ambulance and Coggeshall Christmas Fayre.

“Every market we do a different one. We have got five markets booked for next year now, it’s very popular. The stall holders are quite happy.”

Braintree and Witham Times:

                                                                      Organiser Si Magee

The market was started after Mike Wark, 44, of Myneer Park, put a message on the town’s Facebook page to say a market would bring more people into the town.

A group then got together to launch the first event on June 28, with 22 stalls selling items including cakes, breads, pickles, honey, spices, meats, cheeses, wines, fresh fruit and veg and crafts.

Mr Magee said: “We now have 28 stalls, we are at capacity I think. We have raised more than £2,000 for local charities, which is fantastic.

“Every single penny we make goes to the charity.

“We have our cafe people selling local bacon and sausages, coffee and teas.

“We also run a tombola, which is one of the most popular parts of it. That raised £200 today.

“Prizes were donated by local shops. It’s great news for the local economy really.

“The community comes together to do it which is quite nice.”

The market will return in March.

Visit coggeshallfarmersmarket.co.uk