FOODIES celebrated Wolvercote Farmers’ Market’s ninth anniversary with birthday cake and fresh produce.

The market was started in 2002 by Oxfordshire organic farmer, Shadiya Kingerlee and has grown into a bustling weekly fixture in Wolvercote Primary School.

Customers committee chairman Michael Buck, 57, of Wolvercote, said: “I think that the world is completely mad and that this is a little bit of sanity. Everybody: Happy Birthday!”

A sweet focaccia birthday cake was handed out to shoppers, many of whom have been regulars since four stalls first sprung up in the school hall.

Philippa Berry, 68, of Summertown, who does her weekly shop at the market, said: “I love the social aspect. You meet people, then you get to know them. There is a wonderful atmosphere.”

Marc Cooper, 52, of Dorchester on Thames, is one of dozens of stall holders who travel to Wolvercote every Sunday.

His Cooper’s Oxford Pork stall has been a hit with customers.

He said: “We have been here about two years and it is getting bigger and better. We have a lot of regular customers and we have now got a link up with a lamb and beef supplier.”

Mariella Guida, 45, from Beckley, has been selling bread for nine years.

She said: “The first time there were just four stalls and I saw that there was no bread so the next week I came with focaccia and my stall Blissful Bread.

“The best thing about it is when the customers come back. That really makes my day.”

Sarah Doidge, of Abingdon, sells her award winning jams at the market, despite an offer from London store Fortnum & Mason to stock her preserves.

She said: “We have regular customers here and there has been a really good turnout today.”

Ruby Radwan, 46, from Kidlington, is another longstanding stallholder, selling eggs.

She said: “It has changed, and it is really busy at the moment.”

Roger Crudge, 59, from Kingham, gave up dairy farming to concentrate on his passion for French cheese making.

“It is now back to the way it was three or four years ago,” he said.

“The recession did hit it hard, as it did to all farmers’ markets.

“This one has always been my favourite farmers’ market.”

Co-ordinator Nadja Middleton said: “Hopefully, we will be here celebrating our 10th birthday next year.

“There is a core of people who come regularly, but we want to attract new people now we have a bus service from Summertown and Lower Wolvercote.”