A RANGE of local produce, from bacon to buffalo meat and pickles to poultry, was on sale at the first farmers' market in Stockton, launched yesterday.

Producers from Tees Valley, County Durham and North Yorkshire will set up their stalls in Stockton High Street on the last Thursday of each month.

Visitors to the market can chose fresh farm meats, poultry, game, Whitby fish and cheeses.

Also on sale are speciality breads and patisserie, jams, pickles and chutney and organic vegetables .

To mark the launch of the market, there was a bouncy castle and children's rides Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Borough Council cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "This is another great addition to what Stockton has to offer and builds on our reputation as the home of great markets.

"I am sure this is an event which will become a popular tradition in the High Street, and the town centre manager, Sue Burgess, is always keen to hear from new producers who may wish to join us."

For more information, call 01642- 527569.