VOLUNTEERS celebrated a year of being at the heart of the community at the weekend.

The Sandford-on-Thames Community Market has run every Saturday for the past year, after being set up by local action group Talking Shop.

It is hoped enough money will be raised from the market, in the village hall, to pay for a village shop. Chairman Abi Johnson said: “It has been great. We have about 60 volunteers involved and we are busy every time.

“It is a popular place to come and bump into your neighbours, support the community and find out everything what’s going on.”

Celebrations on Saturday included Shetland pony rides for children.

Enjoying a ride on the horse was 18-month-old Sam Garbutt, helped by his dad Ben.

Mr Garbutt, 36, said: “It feels like the market has been there such a long time now, we go there regularly to get bacon and eggs for breakfast.

“It has a wonderful community atmosphere.

“There is no other village shop, so this encourages people to sit down and talk to each other.”