THE search is on for the region's best farmers' market.

The National Farmers' Union is urging shoppers to vote for the best market and farm shop in England and Wales. In less than four years, more than 300 farmers' markets have sprung up across the country, selling produce from bread to bacon directly from the supplier. For many farmers it is their only source of income.

Cathie Tinn, market manager for Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle said: "This is a great way for people to show how much they enjoy and support farmers' markets and their local ones especially. On-line votes will be taken into consideration by the judges, along with entry forms completed by the market managers."

The winning national market will receive £500 and voters can win a copy of the new farmers' market cookbook by Henrietta Green.

You can vote by logging onto the website, www.foodloversbritain.com