Alison Hope (pictured above) who has sold at Masham's ancient Market for more than 20 years, has made an impassioned plea for shoppers to support small businesses and local farmers.

On Saturday, Alison, who was running the No. 12 Greengrocer's stall, a few metres apart from David Forman's Posh Cheese stall, said:

Customers attending the market adhered to the social distancing advice from the government as they waited to be served one at a time and signage on the stalls reminded them to keep safe.

Clutching handfuls of locally-grown cabbage, carrots and purple-sprouting broccoli, Alison told The Stray Ferret:

David Forman, who has been standing at the Saturday market for 12 years, wore a mask and protective gloves as he served customers with locally-produced Wensleydale cheese varieties. and other cheeses. He said:

Masham Market was granted its first Royal Charter by Henry III on 1st June 1251 and, in common with Ripon and Knaresborough, has been allowed by Harrogate Borough Council to continue operating through this crisis only if it sells fresh food.

Last week, the council was criticised of this decision, as some felt it flouted the government's social distancing measures.  However, the council pointed out that it was supporting the traders at the open air markets and ensuring that stalls are spread wide apart, with the requirement for two metres of separation between customers and serving staff strictly enforced.