CHEPSTOW's revamped farmers' market got off to a great start with many stall holders selling out.

The relaunched market was open to the public at the weekend with all stallholders who signed up having their street trading licence fee covered by the town council and no pitch fees or charge for electricity.

Weekly farmers’ markets throughout September are part of a food theme in the town, The Chepstow local food challenge.

This will last a month and will see a group of residents, which includes members of Transition Chepstow, take up the challenge to eat food that is produced or grown locally, as far as possible, within a 30-mile radius.

A town council spokeswoman said: “Chepstow town council is supporting the market and helping stallholders to establish their businesses.

“Last Saturday’s market proved a huge success with many stallholders selling out.”

Each of the forthcoming markets will have a core of local producers plus specialist guest stalls.

Mayor Stephanie Dovey and Cllr Gerry Rowe were among those sampling some of the produce at the weekend.

Cllr Rowe said: “There was a great atmosphere.

“The town clerk is to be congratulated for planning this first week.”

The market plan stemmed from a survey which was carried out by the town council and Action for Market Towns (AMT).

Residents and visitors were asked for their views on a number of matters like retail offering, footfall, car parking and business confidence.

Feedback from the request for views was that people wanted to see Chepstow markets flourish again.

The town council is providing a hamper of the produce each week for a free prize draw.

Tickets are issued by stallholders to all shoppers spending well at their stall.

This week’s winner was a surprised, but delighted shopper Ian Durbin, of Woodcroft.

This weekend’s event is expected to feature pies and honey from Elm Tree Foods, speciality breads and cakes from Wigmores Bakery, cakes, pastries, eggs and cheese from Sarah Stone plus Chepstow country market.

Shoppers are advised to check the town council notice board and website for more details.

The market plan is due to run until September 28.

The town's farmers' market is normally held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month in Cormeilles Square and Chepstow senior citizens centre, while a country produce market is held on alternate Fridays and Saturdays at Chepstow senior citizens centre, Cormeilles Square.