A FEAST of local produce was on display at Smithills Halls first farmers' market.

More than 20 independent producers and growers sold farm-produced meat, cheese, vegetables, smoked fish, pies, cakes and puddings to a steady crowd of shoppers.

All had come from within a 30 mile radius for what will become a monthly market.

Barry Pilkington, who works for Ireland's Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company, based in Rossendale, said: "These are always very well attended events and was great to see people come out and support us.

"People know they are buying real quality and can see exactly where it has come from and how quickly it has got here.

"It's a good chance for independent producers to get their names about because a lot of them are having a tough time competeing against the supermarkets."

Sally Harding, a 42-year-old nurse, of Chorley New Road, Horwich, bought vegetables, meat and honey.

She said: "It's wonderful to come here and see all this produce and buy something which you know is as fresh as possible.

"I think it's about time we started supporting our local producers and I will definitely be coming back again."

Another stallholder said that as a first market it had been very successful with people showing a real interest in the food.

Throughout the day as hundreds of people visited the market many visitors parked on either side of Smithills Dean Road when the official car park was full.

The next markets will be held on Sunday, October 23 and Sunday, November 27, between 10am and 2pm.