LOCAL producers are preparing to show off and celebrate their delights with a tasting morning in Dorchester.

The Dorchester Country Market, which opens in the Corn Exchange every Friday between 8.30am and 11am, is preparing to mark British Food Fortnight this Friday.

Stallholders are inviting people to come and celebrate in the best way possible by coming to taste their quality local produce on offer.

Trisha Macnaughtan from the Dorchester Country Market said: “Country markets the country over really are a celebration of local producers. “We are all local people producing cakes, preserves, fruit, vegetables, plants and crafts. “Everything is home produced on a small scale, so things can be ordered and made very individual, providing something really different and special.”

It’s that time of year as well when people start thinking about Christmas and Trisha said the market had plenty to offer ahead of the festive season.

She said: “It would be lovely if people remembered us for Christmas, in these days when we may not want to spend large sums of money, something very individual, can be extra special. “Our ladies will always try to accommodate any ideas whether in craft or cooking, even a bunch of flowers for someone special can be nicer when not flown half way around the world.”

Trisha added: “Orders will soon be being taken for Christmas.”

She said that the country market was all about local food and handmade items that offered something unique and special yet affordable.

Trisha said: “I call it local fair trade.”

British Food Fortnight has been running since 2002 and is aimed to coincide with harvest time.

The campaign celebrates the health benefits and pleasures of eating quality, fresh, seasonally and regionally distinct produce.

For more information about the campaign visit lovebritishfood.co.uk To sample the Dorchester Country Market head along to the Corn Exchange between 8.30am and 11am on Fridays.