THE Prince of Wales will meet with business leaders on a visit Orton Farmers' Market later this month, St James's Palace has announced.

In what will be the first Royal visit to the village, Prince Charles will be shown how a venture such as a farmers' market can have a positive effect within a rural community.

The market, usually held on a Saturday, has been brought forward by one day to accommodate the Prince's visit on January 26.

Jane Brook, one of the market's volunteer co-ordinators said: "We are delighted by The Prince of Wales' visit.

His Royal Highness has long been a supporter of organic and small-scale producers and his enthusiasm for farmers' markets is well known.

During the visit, The Prince will meet customers and producers and we are looking forward to showing him a wide range of quality local produce."

The market was started in May 2000 with no capital, borrowed equipment and just a handful of stalls.

However, in this very short time it has grown to become an established monthly event with 24 producers selling a wide range of high quality foodstuffs and crafts to the many customers it attracts.

Producers selling anything from real ale to seasonal vegetables, pickles and chutneys are attracted from Ulverston, Windermere, Dent, Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, Levens, the Lyth Valley and High Bentham as well as many from the village itself.

Orton Farmers' Market is a member of the National Association of Farmers Markets, which regulates standards.

There are no 'middle men' allowed, and the producers all come from within a 35 to 40 miles radius of the market.

HRH will also visit the Eden Rivers Trust habitat and crayfish regeneration project in Melkinthorpe, near Penrith; visit The Village Bakery, Melmerby, near Penrith; and tour M Sport, Dovenby Hall, Cockermouth.