TEESDALE and Wear Valley farmers' markets have received a commendation in the County Durham environment awards for 2001.

The awards go to enterprises which have helped to promote sustainable development within the county.

The judges felt the organisation deserved the commendation because the markets were well run; the produce was well presented and was of a consistently high standard; the markets were well advertised and they were visually attractive.

Another factor was that the Barnard Castle market, run as part of the Teesdale and Wear Valley Farmers' Market Project, was one of the first in the area.

The judges also felt the markets the project ran were true farmers' markets, meaning no bought-in goods were allowed.

Since the Teesdale and Wear Valley markets began in December 2000, they have helped many local producers, who have then gone on to attend markets in a variety of areas across the North-East.

Many say that, without them, their businesses would have failed, but, thanks to this initiative, it has become easier for them to diversify.

Cathie Tinn, the farmers' market consultant for Teesdale and Wear Valley is delighted by the commendation. "A lot of hard work goes into organising these markets, both from the project partners and from the producers," she said.

"I feel that the professionalism of the stallholders and the high quality of their produce have played a significant part in helping us to win this award."

The next markets are at Barnard Castle tomorrow, and at Bishop Auckland on June 12