THE new community interest company, ‘Hatherleigh Community Market’ has now taken over the running of the Tuesday pannier market at Hatherleigh, from the Ruby Country Partnership.

It is hoped this is the first stage in the CIC’s journey to purchase the market site.

The ambition is to get a thriving market, both livestock and pannier, which will boost retail business in the town.

A spokesperson for the Hatherleigh Community Market said: “We are now seeking donations and pledges of larger sums as investment in order to purchase. We intend to do crowdfunding and for that we are seeking suitable rewards that we can offer. As well as our regular markets we are holding two special events over the Christmas period. There is to be a Hatherleigh Christmas Market on December 22 from 9am to 1pm,.

“Also there is to be an auction, to raise funds for the Hatherleigh Community Market, on Tuesday, January 8. This is to be an attempt to beat the Guinness Book of Records entry for auctions, so please give generously and spend freely.”

The Tuesday market will be closed on Christmas day and New Year’s day and will reopen on Tuesday, January 8, along with the special auction.