THE pilot scheme to introduce farmers' markets to Broadway last summer was such a success they have been extended to run until the end of the year.

Worcestershire Farmers' Markets Group invited farmers, growers and cooks from within a 25-mile radius to sell produce like fruit, vegetables, bread, pastries, cheeses, eggs, plants and herbs.

The pilot scheme to promote local produce ran on the first Thursday of every month from June to September, but has now been extended to run until Christmas.

David Robinson, chairman of Broadway Traders, said the markets had been very successful and he hoped they would continue.

"I didn't have any complaints and I visited all of the traders who might have been concerned. They were actually busier on market trading days than any other time. There were so many local shoppers down here I haven't seen for years. This wasn't a tourist thing, they were all locals."

The markets were devised to help protect the local farming industry by providing an opportunity for growers and producers to sell directly to consumers.

Mr Robinson said: "The market traders were thrilled to bits because this was their first time in a village, they're usually in towns, and they were amazed at the trade they did."

Town centres manager Lew Hammond said: "It went extremely well. It was a real success story. There were 20 or 22 stalls and they were all fully booked each time. It was very popular."

He said the original four markets were so successful that they have now been extended to run every month up until Christmas.

He added that the Worcestershire Farmers Market Group was meeting this week to decide whether the markets should continue to run throughout the year or if they should be held only during the productive season of May to December, with approval from Broadway Traders and Broadway Parish Council.