There will be plenty of New Year bargains at Orton on Saturday (14 January) as the best of local food and drink producers start the New Year with a chance to try new flavours at special prices.

“January’s Orton Farmers’ Market is often a quieter one after the hectic bustle of November and December,” says Market Co-ordinator, Leanne Duerden, “but it is a good chance to stock up the freezer with the best of local food and drink, especially as some of our stallholders will have special offers on meat, preserves and cordials to encourage trade at this time of year.”

Leanne is also busy preparing quantities of seasonal soup: “As a thank you to our many regular and loyal customers, we’re offering a complimentary cup of hot, hearty and home-made soup from about 11.30am on market day - until it runs out!  Leeks and carrots are particularly seasonal and plentiful as the moment so I am planning leek and potato and creamy carrot and thyme soups.”

She continues: “We can’t predict the weather but, if it’s fine, the village is a great base for an afternoon walk too and there’ll be leaflets available in the Market Hall about the area around Orton and Tebay.”

Full details of the Orton Farmers’ Markets for 2012 are now online at www.ortonfarmers.co.uk and the Market is open from 9.30am to 2pm with refreshments in the Market Hall, up at Church (with a secondhand book stall and bric a brac), in the George hotel and at Kennedy’s Fine Chocolates.