It was a crowded occasion blessed with fine sunny weather and practically everyone seemed to be there, chatting and buying, among them the Mayor of Bourne, Councillor Judy Smith and her husband, Councillor John Smith, who is also her consort, resplendent in their chains of office.

The market place behind the Corn Exchange was crammed with stalls covered with striped awnings and the French tricolour fluttered from many of them. All were doing brisk business selling sausages, cheese, nuts, fruit and vegetables, meat and of course olive oil, bread and garlic.

Here are some glimpses of the event which has since become a regular event with three such markets being held each year.

REVISED JULY 2008