Farmers' market organisers today revealed some of the producers who will launch a new Colchester scheme.

Small local producers will get the chance to sell their goods to customers who want to know where and how their food is grown at the special market on Friday.

Herbs, poultry, fruit, vegetables, exotic mushrooms and oysters will be on sale at the farmers' market, promoted by Colchester Council.

This is the first of three trial markets, which the council hopes will become a regular monthly event at the Vineyard Street site, and is the only one in East Anglia.

Alex Midlen, borough environmental policy officer, said: "The idea is to give the producers the chance to sell their goods and tell the public about how and what they produce.

"Consumers can then make an informed choice."

Stallholders must either be the producer themselves or a close relative, said Mr Midlen. Mr Midlen said another aim of the farmers' market was to let people know which producers were near their homes so they could shop locally.

Some of the 30 stallholders will be Gourmet Mushrooms UK of Great Bromley, vegetable and soft fruit firm Carr and Son of Beaumont-cum-Moze, and West Mersea oyster producer Richard Haward.

The farmers' market will be based around a marquee in the centre of the market, and surrounded by existing stallholders. Entertainment including a Punch and Judy show will be at the launch, and it is hoped this will continue through the summer.

Mr Midlen said one long-term objective was for all the stalls to sell organic produce. Existing traders were essentially in favour of the scheme, he added.

The market opens from 9am to 4pm, and will be officially launched by Colchester mayor Martin Hunt at 11am.

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