A LOCAL market has become the toast of farmers thanks to a beer that has been brewed to celebrate its success.

The Farmers' Tipple has been produced at the organic micro-brewery at Pinchin-thorpe Hall Hotel, Guisborough, which hosts the market. The brew is only available at the monthly event.

About 25 local farmers and producers attend the market, which is held on the first Sunday of every month, except January, and attracts people from up to 25 miles away.

The market has also been given a Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) grant to provide temporary hard-standing for a car park in a nearby field, to avoid damage to grass.

Anne Wood, of the hotel, said: "We have just celebrated our second birthday and we owe this to Defra for coming to the rescue and providing financial support to cushion the blow of the unexpec- ted cost of surfacing the car park. This support also helped us to purchase five more stalls as well as storage trolleys, which reduce the setting-up time by about two hours."

She added: "We now have a flourishing market, accredited by the National Farmers' Retail and Markets Association.''

Ken Haynes, of Defra, said: "By supporting Pinchinthorpe Farmers' Market, there will be benefits for the many farmers who take part, as well as the local community itself."