A MARKET which focuses on providing "good, clean and fair" food has celebrated its first birthday.

Devon's only Slow Food market, which moved to Topsham at the beginning of last year, marked its anniversary with cake, games and its usual range of top quality food products yesterday.

Fred Dudbridge, leader of the Slow Food movement in Devon, said the birthday celebrations had been a huge success.

He said there had been a good turn out and he hoped the market would continue to thrive in the coming year.

He said: "We're really moving it on. There's definitely an increasing interest and the market has become a regular part of Topsham."

More than 15 local food and drink producers were at the market, offering everything from artisan breads to locally farmed meat and award-winning jams.

Pupils from Topsham School were also there decorating cakes and playing pass the parcel.

Speaking about the success of the market, Marc Millon, one of the co-founders, said: "When we first moved the Slow Food Market from Exeter Quay, we were not sure how the community would receive it and whether it would be sufficiently well supported for it to continue. A year on, we're delighted at how quickly the market has become a regular feature of life in Topsham.

"It is now part of the rhythm of activities, and many people tell me how much they look forward to it each month. People have come to know that when the Slow Food Devon banner is flying outside Matthews Hall, the market will be taking place that Sunday."

The next market will be held on February 15, and after the market people are invited to bring along a dish and stay for a "pot-luck" meal.