A NEW market is set to open in Marlow today.

Marlow Community Market, organised by Transition Town Marlow, will be a hub for producers from the area, service providers and customers.

It opens for the first time this morning at Liston Hall, Chapel Street.

The project is aimed at helping Marlow be more self-sufficient by providing a place for individuals and larger suppliers to sell their produce using minimum food miles.

And organisers hope will bolster Marlow’s economy - with money raised from sales staying in the community.

TTM member Liz Lorente said: "Food is always a common area of interest and as 40 per cent of greenhouse gases come from food distribution and production, it makes sense to have a local food market."

TTM member Julia Lockwood said: "It’s a very exciting project. We have a good mixture of stall-holders, from established food producers to individuals selling home-made jams and cakes. We also have artists and craftspeople, as well as local 'green' services. The idea is that anyone can set up a stall if they are selling genuine local produce or offering local services."

She added: "The market will demonstrate transition in action - this is one of the ways in which we can collectively begin to change our lifestyle to one which is less dependent on oil."

In support of Marlow Town Council’s initiative, the market aims to be plastic-bag free.

TTM will run a café at the market with coffee, fresh herb teas and homemade cakes.

Future markets will be held on the last Saturday of every month.