A PRODUCE market at a village has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a bang after scooping the Prince of Wales Award of Honour and £1,000 at the Royal Bath and West Show.

Kempley Produce Market won the award 'for creating an event that promotes local producers, provides a focal point for the village and invests back into the community.'

They provide a venue for locals of the rural area near Ledbury to meet on an informal and regular basis.

Founder and chair Maggie Bligh said she started the group so producers from the area had somewhere to sell their goods.

She said: "(I started it) as a social enterprise, mainly. The opportunity to provide a platform for local producers, alongside a regular café and meeting place, seemed a fun way to create a viable community venture.

"At our first market ten years ago we were packed, including four generations of one family."

"The market has continued to grow and develop. We are thrilled by this acknowledgement."

The market promotes an ethos of sustainability and resilience, with profits already funding a renewable energy installation for the village hall.

Regular producers include an award-winning cider and perry maker, juice and top fruit growers, a co-op bakery, a top class cheese maker and a Michelin-starred chef.

Alan Lyons, head of shows at Royal Bath & West of England Society said: "Strong local communities are the backbone of rural Britain, and Kempley Produce Market does a sterling job of bringing people together for the greater good."