GREAT Dunmow Country Market has announced a 14 per cent increase in turnover at its annual meeting.

The rise comes after the country market in Saffron Walden closed last month, making Dunmow one of only seven such markets remaining in Essex.

Attendees of the meeting, held in the Catholic Church Hall, also heard the number of regular customers had increased.

Market treasurer Robin Adams said: “We knew we were doing well but were pleasantly surprised at how well we had done.

“This was a gradual increase over the 12 months and we can only put it down to the fact that we are supplying goods that the customers want.”

Country Markets is a non profit-making co-operative so all the money is returned to the producers, apart from a small deduction for the cost of running the market. It has been running for 34 years, and has items on sale, ranging from homemade cakes and savouries to plants, a craft stall and vegetable.

Mr Adams said: “Home cooking is always appreciated, the plants and vegetables are excellent and the craft stall has items not found in the shops.

“We are a very friendly market where customers can meet friends for a chat – and where else can you get a coffee and a home made biscuit for 70p?”

The market meets every Thursday from 9.15-11.30am in the Catholic Church Hall on Mill Lane.