THE Institute main hall was full to bursting on Saturday as people turned out to Ottery St Mary s inaugural eco-friendly community market.

THE Institute main hall was full to bursting on Saturday as people turned out to Ottery St Mary's inaugural eco-friendly community market.

Town Mayor Glyn Dobson opened the new market, organised by the environmental group Sustainable Ottery, which was packed with stalls manned by local residents.

Most of the produce was handmade or home grown just a few hundred yards from the Institute - putting to shame food miles accrued by some stores -while there were several 'green' stalls with low carbon goods and lifestyle.

The morning saw a steady stream of shoppers, and Diana Jones, a member of Sustainable Ottery and market co-ordinator, said there was a strong feeling of community, and shoppers praised "the pleasant atmosphere".

She said it was evident people were enjoying themselves, and the WI's refreshments stand did a roaring trade.

She said: "The whole idea behind these markets is to celebrate the local community's skills and talents, and to promote the goods they make or grow.

"It all helps to become a little more resourceful, a little more self-sufficient, and a little greener. And in however small a way, it helps to reduce our carbon footprint, and to work towards a really thriving local economy."

The market will be held on the last Saturday of the month until the end of the year - then it is hoped they will be a regular feature of life in Ottery.

Priority will be given to local people who make their own products, or who are promoting low carbon goods and lifestyle.