A farmers’ market organised by young people in Chippenham’s Market Place on Friday showed off the industriousness of children in and around the town.

The entrepreneurs were selling produce and crafts they have been making and growing themselves.

The idea came from Chippen-ham Children and Young People’s Parliament, which has members from all 21 of the area’s schools.

They wanted to combine looking after the environment with raising school funds.

Produce on sale included new potatoes, salad, herbs and strawberries, which all sold well alongside everyone’s firm favourites, cakes and cookies.

King’s Lodge School children showed their creative side by making jewellery, while pupils at St Nicholas had prepared a range of products, from mounted local photographs to lavender bags.

Chippenham mayor Sylvia Gibson said: “Events like the market allow children to use all of the learning they do in science, maths and English in real-life situations.

“They’ve obviously worked really hard to look after these wonderful plants. They’ve made all their own signs and price lists, and here they are taking money and giving change.

“I think it’s absolutely brilliant.”

Other visitors to the market included PCSO Helen Bray. She said: “The community has got fully behind the children. It’s great to see these young citizens talking to people from all generations, and having such a good time doing it.”

Schools taking part were Charter, Frogwell, Ivy Lane, King’s Lodge, St Paul’s, St Peter’s, Queen’s Crescent, Redland, St Nicholas, Stanton St Quintin, Langley Fitzurse, Kington St Michael, Lacock, Sutton Benger and By Brook Valley.

Chippenham Town Council offered a grant for the hire of the market umbrellas and the use of its tables and chairs.

Judy Edwards, manager of Chippenham Partnership of Schools, said: “Without the backing of the town council these events would not be possible. The council is enabling children to feel involved in community life and enabling Chippenham’s residents to see how capable children are.”

It is hoped the market, also supported by Wiltshire Council, will become an annual event. The Children’s Parliament will decide at its next meeting in November.