SHOPPERS - from busy mums on a budget to lovers of good food and wine - are being invited to see what's on offer at the Kidderminster Farmers' Market tomorrow .

September is Farmers' Market Month as part of a national campaign to raise the profile of all that local produce has to offer - quality, variety and value for money.

Worcestershire Farmers' Markets Group is spearheading the initiative and to mark the event has two hampers worth more than £50 each crammed with locally produced goodies to give away to Shuttle/Times and News readers.

The gtroup was formed nearly two years ago and now has more than 70 producers with farmers' markets held monthly in nearly every major town in the county.

Kidderminster Farmers' Market is held on the second Friday of each month between 9am and 4pm, and a market is also held in Bewdley opposite Dog Lane Car Park every fourth Sunday - the next being on September 22 from 10am-4pm.

A whole host of stalls will be selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs, fine cheeses, traditionally-reared meats including home-made sausages and home-cured bacons, breads, cakes and pastries, plants, herbs and and a wide selection of preserves, wines and juices.

Janet Yates, the group's co-ordinator said: "If you've never shopped at a farmers' market, this month is a particularly good time to visit us.

As well as the national campaign we're also running a joint initiative locally with the NHS to encourage more people to eat fruit and vegetables so there's going to be lots of information available along with samples and recipes - and, of course, good buys."

Research had shown that people shopping at farmers' markets became regular visitors and many report that shopping at the markets has made them think about their diet and eating habits.

"They taste our home-made sausages and home-cured bacons and are totally converted. I think people have woken up to their tastebuds once again," said Mrs Yates.

To enter the hamper competition, simply answer the following question:

Q: When is the farmers' market held in Kidderminster?

entries must be received by Friday, September 20.

The two winners will be presented with their hampers at the following Kidderminster Farmers' Market on Friday October 11. Entrants must be over 18.

For the dates of future farmers' markets in Worcestershire tele phone 01905 795937.