FARMERS and growers in the Vale of Evesham are taking another step in the fight back against the giant supermarket chains.

Fed up with being "under the thumb" of the superstores they are reopening the "farmers market" in Evesham.

The move comes almost a year after the closure of the last farmers market in the town, which stopped trading in the summer of 2004.

This time the traders will operate the enterprise themselves and will set up stalls on the fourth Friday of each month.

One of the growers behind the initiative is Roger Styan, who has a 60-acre market garden in Haselor Lane, overlooking the town.

"The market will give the people of Evesham the chance to buy high quality local produce directly from farmers and growers in the Vale," said Roger Styan, aged 42.

"It will also reduce the dependency of producers on having to sell at rock bottom prices to the major supermarkets.

"I was involved in the last market in Evesham and did very well. Farmers markets are very important to me and I attend about 20 markets a month."

So far eight local producers are pledged to sell at the Evesham market with fruit and vegetables, cakes, honey, pies, pork and sausages on sale.

"There is a large market area in Evesham and plenty of room for expansion. We will have a good range of quality food on sale which gives us all the ingredients for success."

The first farmers market in Evesham will be on Friday, February 25.