A popular farmers' market in the heart of a town centre has been saved from closure.

British Land and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have worked closely with traders to identify a new location for the market which was close to being axed.

It was agreed this week that Market Square at Royal Victoria Place was the perfect location to continue the market.

The Farmers' Market has been a familiar sight at weekends outside the town hall for nearly 20 years.

Nicky Blanchard, centre manager of Royal Victoria Place, said: “We are delighted and very proud to welcome the New Independent Farmers' Market to Market Square here at Royal Victoria Place.

"It is great to be supporting independent local traders by providing them with a location to showcase their produce.

"Local farmers' markets will only continue to flourish with the support of local residents and the community so I therefore urge all Tunbridge Wellians to come out and support your new independent farmers' market."

The Farmers' Market will now be run and managed by independent traders rather than as previously by TWBC.

It will now be known as The New Tunbridge Wells Independent Farmers' Market and will take place at its new location every second and fourth Saturday of the month between 9am and 4pm.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillor Tracey Moore said: “I am very excited for the next chapter in the Farmers’ Market story in Tunbridge Wells.

"When the stall holders let me know they wanted to explore the option of running a market themselves, I was able to help by organising a meeting and putting them in touch with Royal Victoria Place who have made it possible for the market to relocate to Market Square.

"The Council will do all it can to support the traders by promoting the venture through its communications channels.

"I hope lots of shoppers, old and new supporters of the market will be there to make this great initiative a success.”

The New Tunbridge Wells Farmers' Market will celebrate its new location with an official launch party on Saturday, March 9, where visitors will be able to enjoy hot food, music and lots of fresh produce.

The new market will feature nearly 20 independent local traders, who will be selling locally sourced and produced products from around the local area and across the Kent region.

Jo Jeffery of Naked and Ready Foods, one of the independent market traders, added: “We are very much looking forward to working with Royal Victoria Place in the next chapter of the Tunbridge Wells Farmers' Market.

"Our aim is to bring good quality local produce to the people of Tunbridge Wells in a friendly and informative environment.

"We feel very passionate and positive about the future of the New Tunbridge Wells Independent Farmer's Market and the support from our customers and the general public has been overwhelming.

"We will do our best to make it a great success.”