PICKLES, preserves and a host of local produce were in the limelight when a Minehead co-operative celebrated its 15th anniversary last Friday.

The country market has been selling its wares - produced in the town or the surrounding area - from the Quaker Meeting House in Bancks Street since founders Pauline Davis and Kay Rowe came up with the idea.

Initially, the venture was begun under the banner of the Women's Institute but, in line with others across the country, it changed its name and became a co-operative in the late 1990s.

"It had been talked about for some time before we actually started it and people though it might last six months," said Mrs Davis.

"But here we are 15 years later and still going strong."

Honey, woodwork pieces and garden produce are among the range of goods on sale at the weekly market, which runs from 9.30am to 11am.

Customers can also buy eggs, a range of crafts and a host of homebaked goodies - both sweet and savoury.

"We get a great response from the public and we're delighted to have reached this anniversary," said Mrs Davis.

Photo: Steve Guscott