THE early spring sunshine shone brightly for this year’s Hampshire Farmers’ Market Producer Awards as voted for by the public.

Double-award winning producers of the The Flour Stall, Jo Burch and Hayley Dunn, dressed up for the occasion wearing formal evening wear and tiaras as they were presented the awards for Best Personality and Best Dressed Stall Awards.

Mud Pies were presented the award for Best Produce while Broughton Water Buffalo won Best Food to Go. A special Award for Excellence went to F.A. Secrett’s.

HFM business manager, Alex Handford, said: “The awards show the appreciation of our market visitors who have turned out in all weather to support their local producers, and who also appreciate the efforts they make to get to all our markets, especially during the very wet winter weather – getting up very early and travelling from all corners of the county all year round.

“Our stall holders want to thank the public for voting for them and for supporting the markets,” he added. “Buying local not only helps the local economy, but local jobs as well, keeps food miles down and protects the environment. Our stallholders also really enjoy the direct contact with our market customers, who also have the chance to talk to the producers and to sample the wide range of foods on offer.”

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets is a not-for-profit community interest organisation. Visit hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk for market locations and dates.

The award winners were:

• Best Food to Go – Broughton Water Buffalo – Broughton, Stockbridge

• Award for Excellence – F. A. Secrett’s – Milford

• Best Produce - Mud Pies - from Mud Foods

• Best Personality and Best Dressed Stall -  The Flour Stall – Andover