BAD weather in June put a dampener on Alcester's Farmers' Markets, but traders say they are determined to make the scheme a success.

Mike Wilkes, chairman of Warwickshire Farmers' Markets, said: "We suffered from torrential downpours at the market before last and when we went back the next month we felt there were fewer people there.

"But the problem with only setting up once a month is people forget we are there.

"It's still quite a new market and it has yet to find its level. "We've got 20 plus stalls, but there are markets running on as few as 10.

"When we first started in Stratford, we had 40 stallholders, but within a few months 15 of those dropped out. It looked great on the outside, but those 15 were not making a living."

Mr Wilkes praised local support, saying: "This is something we don't get everywhere. "Not that other places are less friendly, but in Alcester we have had lots of help with leafleting and signs.

"We are not going to get people coming from miles around, most of the customers live in Alcester and chat to each other in the queue. It's a lovely community feel."

The next Farmers' Market is on Friday, in the parking area behind Alcester Town Hall from 9am to 2pm.

Alcester Country Market is also on Friday, off High Street, from 8.30am-12 noon.