Ottery-based businesses will lend a helping hand to local charities at this week’s Mill Street Market as part of a fundraising initiative, backed by the town council.

Stalls from greengrocers Otter Produce and bakers Chunk of Devon will be at today’s (Friday) event, but with a difference - the ‘traders’ will be volunteers from local charities.

Hospiscare and the Ottery Help Scheme will be flogging fruit, vegetables and baked goods supplied by the businesses, with all of the profits being kept by the charities.

Mike Price, owner of Otter Produce in Broad Street, said: “I don’t really have time to run a stall at the market, but thought this could be a good idea to help support a local charity.

“I order the produce up for them; tell them what is selling well and advise them on the best things to have.

“We supply it at cost price and the profit they make goes towards the charity.”

Mike said that previous markets had netted around £100 each time, but hoped that the figure would increase as word about the event spreads.

“It’s a great way to champion local businesses and charities at the same time,” he added.

And now Chunk of Devon have teamed up with the Ottery Help Scheme, who will be selling the firm’s pies and pasties.

Suzi Byron-Edmond – one of the owners – described the idea as ‘win-win’ for both the charity and traders.

“It seems like a great idea, I’m not aware of anywhere else that does it. I wonder whether other towns could take it up.”

Gazebos and equipment for the stalls is supplied by Ottery Town Council, and Councillor John Harding said he felt the market had the potential to act as more than just somewhere for local businesses to trade.

He added: “I’m sure there could be other opportunities for shops or companies to provide charities that are trading at the market.

“It is good for the charities, and excellent for the trader.”

More than 20 stalls are expected at today’s market, which runs from 8.30am until 1.30pm.