Lincolnshire people are spoilt for choice when it comes to low food-miles, which is why our top-class producers also attract shoppers who are happy to "go the distance" for their fix of our finest flavours.  

County farmers, who regularly bring a taste of the countryside into the historic heart of Lincoln, have built up a loyal following which not only includes city  folk, but people from much further afield, even abroad!

This growing trend has ensured that the Lincoln Farmers' Market in Castle Hill - one of the first in the country - is poised to celebrate its 10th Anniversary!

And stallholders are looking forward to welcoming crowds of shoppers and well wishers when they  cut their anniversary cake on Saturday, April 16. 

The Uphill  Market was launched about a year after the city centre Farmers' Market highlighted a rising demand from people who wanted fresh, locally-grown and lovingly-produced foods, with real traceability. 

And you cannot get closer to that, than by buying from those who spend their days in Lincolnshire's fields, tending vegetable crops and caring for livestock or making delicious cheeses, pickles and jams in rural dairies and kitchens. 

LincolnBIG (Business Improvement Group) masterminds the market with the help  of co-ordinator Susan Smith, a Director of Lincolnshire Ostrich specialist, OsLinc, who has been involved from the outset. 

"Just over ten years ago, after the City Square market proved to be so popular, we decided there was also a need for one in Uphill Lincoln," said Mrs Smith. 

"We started off with a handful of stalls, but it has gone from strength to strength and we now have 30 regular traders. I cannot say how magical it is to see everyone arriving and setting-up each month. 

"Shoppers can take their pick from an amazing selection of produce, including jams, pickles, cakes, Ostrich meat, organic breads and vegetables, pork, beef and lamb, cheeses and even beer," she said. 

Then there's the irresistible fudge, traditional  Lincolnshire plumbread, fresh fish, fishcakes, venison, curry pastes and plants, plus flowers and herbs in the Summer months.

Organic farmer Andrew Dennis of Woodlands Farm at Kirton, near Boston, is  a regular trader. 

"This is a most magical market and with its wonderful setting with views of the West Front of Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle, there is almost a Medieval feel to it," he said.   

"I think that Farmer's Markets have an educational role  to play. Stalls selling fresh produce directly from the farm make people vividly aware of what is in season and I think people are becoming more interested in that."

Redhill Farm Free Range Pork, which is based near Gainsborough, scooped the East of England Regional Local Food Award in the Countryside Alliance Awards, and managing director Jane Tomlinson is hoping for success in the national final. Winners will be announced in a House of Lords' ceremony on  March 30. 

Mrs Tomlinson said the Castle Hill market is very special. 

"We are proud to be part of this tremendous resource for local shoppers and visitors to Lincoln and would like to congratulate the organisers and thank them for all their hard work and commitment over the past 10 years," she said. 

"Nothing beats locally-produced food, sold locally and, better still, bought straight  from the people who produce it. You know it's fresh and where it really comes from. It  tastes good, it's healthy and is excellent value for money. Best of all you can enjoy the experience of buying from someone you can trust."