READING Farmers' Market has been named the Best Food Market in the Great British Market Awards.

The market, which has been running since 1999, is held at the Cattle Market on Great Knollys Street on the first and third Saturday of each month, from 8.30am-12pm.

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Kathryn McCann, the market's manager, explained there are usually around 20 stalls "and always a slightly different line-up of traders, which helps to keep things interesting".

Traders sell a variety of items including fish, vegetables, cheese, cider and gin, homemade fudge and natural skin and hair care products.

Kathryn explained several traders are very local including Cocolico Patisserie — a 100 per cent plant-based patisserie from East Reading — and Sheabutter Cottage from West Reading who create natural and vegan hair and skin care products.

Organisers of the Great British Market Awards explain the awards celebrate excellence in retail and wholesale markets across the UK.

Kathryn said: "I entered at short notice because one of the traders found out about it and thought it might be worth a try.

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"I really didn’t expect that we would win!"

She revealed she was "really excited" when she found out Reading Farmers' Market had been named the Best Food Market.

She added: "I’ve seen a massive boost in our social media following and interactions as a result, and last Saturday’s market was busy right till the end, despite Storm Dennis.

"Let’s hope it will have a lasting effect and help to keep the market thriving."