HARTLAND Christmas Markets proved a very popular distraction for people as North Devon started to emerge from the snow and ice recently.

Parking was at a premium in the village as customers took their pick from the 20 food stalls and 30 art and craft stalls on offer.

At the Farmer's Market the traditional English Christmas tastes of goose, turkey and venison were joined by the European flavours of a Greek olive stall and a German market stall run by Hartland resident, Gesine Zuchanke, and her children Jooke and Dauke.

The '£50 market trolley dash' was won by Jan Partington from Barnstaple and the 'guess the weight of the cake' was won by Morwenstow resident, Margaret Hanks.

Market organiser Rod Landman said: "We would like to offer our thanks to everyone who has supported the market throughout the year. It's become such an important part of village life now, and this year we have raised another £4,000 for local charities."

The Farmer's Market now takes its winter break and starts again on Sunday, April 3, when it celebrates its fifth birthday. If you'd like to go on the market mailing list for a reminder email Rod on [email protected]">[email protected].