FARMERS will be celebrating a home-grown success when they clock up a year of successful trading in Bromsgrove.

The town's fortnightly farmers' market has proved popular with shoppers, who will soon benefit from an extra day each month.

A market will be held on the second Saturday of the month in High Street in addition to the Thursday dates in the Market Hall.

Bromsgrove District Council vice-chairman Cllr Mike Gill (Con, Woodvale) said: "We are delighted that the market has proved so popular.

"It not only helps local farmers to sell their produce, it offers local shoppers the chance to buy fresh food on their doorstep and gives the council extra income, which is good news for the ratepayers."

Celebrations for the first anniversary will be held on Thursday September 21, when civic leaders will take a wagon ride down High Street.

A liquid lunch will be provided free by the landlord of the nearby Shoulder of Mutton pub for the farmers who support it.

Founder farmers who have continuously supported the market will also be given a free stall for the day.

The council's economic development officer, Peter Michael, said: "Bromsgrove was the first regular market to be held in the county and it was a great success right from the start.

"It has stood the test of time against fierce competition from surrounding towns and we are confident it will continue to go from strength to strength."