RAMSBOTTOM has firmly established itself as a market town, thanks to the success of its local produce fair.

The farmers' market has grown to such an extent that Bury Council is now ready to hand over the management of the market to local retailers.

The market for local produce and crafts was launched in May 2003 through a partnership between the council and Ramsbottom Business Forum to encourage economic development of cottage industries and to attract more people to visit the town on a Sunday.

Since then the farmers' market has become hugely popular, with 35 stallholders selling a wide range of produce on the second Sunday of every month.

In the future, the market will be developed and run by Paul Barrah and Associates, an established seafood retailer already trading on Ramsbottom market and others across the north of England.

Coun Steve Perkins, Bury Council's executive member for housing and regeneration, said: "This market is an excellent example of how a relatively small input from the council's economic development resource can kickstart a venture that is commercially successful."

The next Ramsbottom farmers' market, local produce and craft fairs are on Sunday, March 15 and Sunday, April 10, when the "Taste Lancashire" food festival visits the market, including cookery demonstrations using products on sale at the market.