CELEBRITY chef Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall described the country market as Britain’s best-kept secret and Tattenhall’s version has proved it is one worth sharing.

The Barbour Institute is a hive of activity each Friday morning thanks to Tattenhall Country Market which fills it with crafts, fresh produce and homemade treats.

The market is part of Country Markets Ltd which is a co-operative social enterprise operating throughout England, Wales and the Channel Islands. The roots of Country Markets go back to 1919, when the Agricultural Organisation Society (now DEFRA) sponsored the setting up of co-operative markets to sell surplus produce. Country Markets Ltd now has an annual turnover of £10m, about £9m of which is returned to the producers.

Chairman of Tattenhall Country Market Liz Mogg said: “The market’s motto is ‘home-made, home-grown and hand crafted’ and we have some extremely high quality produce here. We have some beautiful wood carvings, fresh produce, cards, knitting and breads. Our producers will make things to order, such as gluten free products and we all work together. There is such a range of goods you can buy from us. As well as the products on sale we also serve refreshments so it is a social occasion where people can come and have a cup of tea and look round the stalls.”

The market is open between 9.30am and 11am, each Friday all year except January. If you would like to join the market contact Mrs Mogg at 01829 770998.