RINGWOOD is set for a boost later this month as Hampshire Farmers’ Market returns to the town for the first time in four years.

It will be held at The Furlong on Saturday, March 22, from 10am to 2pm.

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets business manager Alex Handford said: “The Hampshire Farmers’ Markets and all our producers are thrilled about returning to Ringwood and the prospect of holding a regular seasonal market at The Furlong, which is much more central for shoppers than our previous location.

“We are looking forward to welcoming shoppers from a wide area of Hampshire and the New Forest to the market and working closely with the retailers and community.

“It is four years since we held a market in Ringwood and in that time consumers have become more passionate about the provenance of the food they buy.

“After last year’s food scandals they want to know that the produce they are giving their families is fully traceable.

“Visitors to our markets also get to meet our producers and to sample their products, enjoy fresh food to go and the vibrant market atmosphere.”

The Ringwood market will be seasonal, with the first spring market in March, followed by a Summer Festival in June, a late summer market in August and an autumn/winter event in November.

On offer will be meats of all kinds, poultry, game, water buffalo, goat and award winning cheeses, vegetables, fruit, artisan bread, home-made cakes, pies, bakery goods, mushrooms, fish, food to go, plants and crafts.

Alex added: “We are looking forward to working closely with the Furlong Shopping Centre, the Ringwood community and retailers to complement the established retail offerings in the town.

“Retailers in all of our market locations across Hampshire have benefited from the additional shoppers that the markets help to attract. The coffee shops, pubs and restaurants also enjoy increased custom and we are confident that Ringwood will benefit in the same way.”