SUPPORTING local traders has become easier after a Food Assembly where customers meet the people growing their food has been launched in Marlborough.

Shoppers order online from farmers and growers and collect their goods weekly.

On offer is a range of products, from honey and yoghurt to fish and lamb and there was an excited atmosphere inside the very first mini market set up in the Rugby Club where growers and customers meet face to face.

Organiser Sam Bertram is quietly hopeful that Marlborough residents will embrace the chance to shop local.

Ms Bertram, 44 from Clatford said: “It is all about changing people’s behaviour and getting access to fresh produce grown and made around them. It’s lovely for the buyers to be able to meet the people making their products.

“Sustainability has been topical for years but I think now people are really sitting up and taking notice."

“The important thing is that if people don’t use it they lose it.

One Avebury shopper said: “There is a group of us who will take it in turns to come each week. Anything that supports local is brilliant.”

Ceri Cryer from Brinkworth dairy said: “I have been involved with wholesalers and markets but this is the first time I have come to a Food assembly and met the people buying my items. I can tell them first hand how delicious our yoghurt is and how it is made.”

First launched in France, Food Assemblies have since taken off in the UK. Frome' Food Assembly has over 2,500 members.

Shoppers can place a weekly order and collect every Thursday from 4-6pm at the Rugby Club in Marlborough.

Register for the Food Assembly here.