FARMERS markets across the county are vying for first position in the NFU first ever Best Farmers Market and Farm Shop awards.

NFU offices have been swamped with applications for the national award, and the judges' task will be made easier by the thousands of customer comments sent in on-line, which will also be considered as part of the judging process.

Farmers' markets and farm shops in Worcestershire have jumped at the opportunity to show why they are the fastest growing sector of British retailing.

The closing date for entries has now passed, and the winners will be announced on Monday, November 12.