A FARMERS' market is finally set to hit Kidderminster town centre next month after its long-awaited debut was delayed by the foot and mouth crisis.

The market will feature farmers from within a 30-mile radius of the town bringing their wares to about 20 stalls in High Street and the Bull Ring on Friday, July 13.

It is a date that will not unduly worry organisers as the market has already had its share of bad luck - plans had to be shelved at the start of the foot and mouth outbreak in March, barely days after they were announced.

Organiser Mark Skett said: "We've had to pull out all the stops to get this show back on the road.

"Foot and mouth disease has been a devastating blow to farmers in the area. A street market is what Kidderminster wants and needs - the public are crying out for it."

Next month's launch will see the first farmers' market in Kidderminster's modern history offering fresh delights such as seasonal vegetables, apples, honey, eggs and a wide range of meat including duck - as well as plants, wines and cakes.

The open air market will operate on the second Friday of every month, initially on a six-month trial basis.

Plans for the original market on March 9 were announced in February but had to be scrapped within days as the foot and mouth crisis took hold. Restrictions also put paid to another planned launch date of April 13.

Hartlebury farmer Adrian Cooper said it was "very important" there was a market in Kidderminster.

He said trading at markets in Solihull, Moseley, Leamington and Stratford accounted for 90 per cent of his income - and is looking forward to having one closer to home.

Mr Cooper, whose income has been reduced to zero by the foot and mouth crisis, said: "The closer we can get to the customer the better."