FARMERS' markets across the county will take on special significance this week as they celebrate British Food Fortnight.

Markets in Droitwich, Worcester, Kidderminster and Bromsgrove will continue to sell fresh, local produce but will also be celebrating the "best of British food".

British Food Fortnight is a national initiative, which runs from Saturday, October 26, to Sunday, November 10, and is supported by the Countryside Agency, the Heart of England Tourist Board, Heart of England Fine Foods and Advantage West Midlands.

It was launched locally on Friday, at the Farmers' Market in Redditch.

"Our producers are 100 per cent behind British Food Fortnight and there will be plenty of excellent produce on sale at competitive prices," said Janet Yates,

co-ordinator for Worcestershire Farmers' Markets Group.

Variety

"With over 70 members, we have a good variety of produce, offering everything from speciality breads and cakes to fine cheeses and traditional meats.

"Our produce is the very essence of British food and we're very proud of the quality. Many of our producers have been recognised nationally and even internationally."

She said farmers' markets had had a "major impact" on the way many rural growers and producers now operating.

"The truth is that without these markets many more rural businesses would be struggling and some would have disappeared completely," she added.

The farmers' markets across the county are as follows:

- Droitwich - Saturday, November 2, Victoria Square, 9am to 3pm.

- Worcester - Sunday, November 3, Royal Worcester Porcelain, Severn Street, 10am to 2pm.

- Kidderminster - Friday, November 8, High Street, 9am to 4pm.

- Bromsgrove - Saturday, November 9, High Street, 9am to 5pm.