CREDITON'S status as a Fairtrade Town was reaffirmed at the March Farmers' Market when a certificate was presented to Crediton's Deputy Mayor, Cllr Joyce Harris.

This will hang in the Council Chamber, replacing the first certificate granted in 2007. Crediton will need to reapply for Fairtade Town status at the end of next year.

Laura Conyngham, chairman of Crediton Fairtrade Town Partnership Group, thanked everyone for their support, adding it was good to see so many more retailers and cafes joining the Fairtrade scheme.

At the March market members of the Group were out with a petition to ask the five major tea companies to use Fairtrade products.

Among entertainers at the market were Eddie Saddington and Richard Firman playing Irish, English and Scottish folk music, making shoppers pause to listen and even have a jig or two. The players hope to make a return visit.

Mrs Janet Noyes, president of Yeoford Women's Institute, showed children how to make coloured marzipan sweets and Mrs Margaret Bowden of Sandford WI was helped children to make flower posies.

Dodie Huxter, chairman of Crediton Farmers' Market Association, promised that the April market, on Saturday, April 3, the middle of Easter weekend, will be really "eggy".

"It will include the usual Easter egg hunt and egg rolling," she said. "Someone from Sandford WI will have knitted chicks and mini eggs, plus WI members making Easter biscuits, which is the WI Group competition this year."

Egg hunt forms can be collected from Glyn and Chris Comont on their Redlands Country Pork stall. The creme eggs have been donated by Mole Avon and the little eggs by The Green House on The Lower Pannier Market behind the market.

Members of the Lions Club of Crediton and District were at the March market with their Easter egg raffle. In April members of Crediton Twinning Association will be there to encourage more people to join their links with Europe.

S Read