A WORCESTER garden centre is getting behind the farming industry by hosting its first autumn market.

Following the recent floods, which destroyed the crops of many Worcestershire farmers, St Peter's Garden Centre has joined forces with Worcestershire Farmers' Market Association (WFMA), Heart of England Food and the National Farmers' Union (NFU) to host a farmers' market.

Speaking about Saturday's event, the centre's Mark Rice said: "With reports of foot and mouth and regional flooding, recent months have seen a return to tough times for British farmers.

"Yet despite these hardships, there is one area where, thanks to their local communities, agriculture thrives - the farmers' market."

There will be plenty of local produce available at the event, which marks British Food Fortnight, with about 40 food, drink and craft stalls.

Children will be kept entertained by solo circus Steve Kaos, Funky Faces face painting Green Frog pottery.

There will be food tasting and a competition to win a luxury hamper.

Henry Wormington, WFMA chairman said: "Farmers will not be kept down following the difficulties over the summer.

"The farming community will be rallying together at this event and will be on hand to talk to people about the Year of Food and Farming and hopefully this festival will be the first of many seasonal ones we put on.

"St Peter's has excellent facilities and we are urging people to come along and enjoy the day with us."

The event will run at the centre in Broomhall, Norton, between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Admission, children's activities and parking will be free.