Farmers struggling in the wake of the foot and mouth outbreak could receive a boost following the launch of new farmers' markets.

Councillors, traders and producers in Wantage and Faringdon have joined forces to boost local agriculture by planning the events.

Wantage Town Council aims to stage one at the end of April, coinciding with a regular Saturday market. It is hoped the Faringdon event will take place on Tuesday, April 3. Both would feature a range of locally-grown produce as well as jams, plants, trout and wine.

Wantage Town Council had hoped to launch its market this Saturday, but was forced to postpone the plans following fears over the spread of foot and mouth. However, they are optimistic next month's market will go ahead.

Wantage town councillor Peter Kent said: "We have been in discussion with farming organisations who seem quite enthusiastic about it.

"The existing market traders are also happy and think it will bring in more people. It will boost other shops and the town as a whole."

The Faringdon market is being organised by the Joint Economic Forum for Faringdon, a committee of town and district councillors, and members of the chamber of commerce and residents' associations. Chairman Rosemary Packer, said: "The farming community has had many setbacks recently, but we are determined both to help them and to supply another amenity for this lovely market town."