CHANGES in management for Malvern's two markets have proved successful, attracting more stalls and shoppers, say organisers.

Local farmers, who took over the running of the monthly market from operator E G Skett in October, held their second independently-run market in Malvern last Saturday (November 15).

Janet Yates, co-ordinator of the Worcestershire Farmers' Market group, said new customers had been drawn to the market and more producers had been encouraged to attend.

She said this meant the variety of stalls had started to increase.

"The producers are now able to get more involved in the market and it's generating its own sort of interest.

"If the producers don't make it work, nobody's going to make it work for them and that atmosphere does relay over to the customers."

The market is held on the third Saturday of each month and the next one is on Saturday, December 20, at the Council House car park, Avenue Road.

E G Skett and Co also pulled out of running Malvern's Friday market, held in the Council House car park, in October. Operators Grenchurch Ltd took over its management and stopped running the Tuesday market in Waitrose car park.

Douglas Cotton of Grenchurch said the number of traders at the market had doubled to 12 stalls and more customers were going along every week.

"We're encouraged by the attendance of traders, and grateful and encouraged by the increased public interest," he said.

"If you live locally you should shop locally - that is our motto."

Mr Cotton said the Friday market would be running up to Christmas, but there would be no market on Boxing Day.