The founders of the oldest weekly market in Westbury proved that those who said it wouldn’t last were wrong as they celebrated its 25th anniversary on Friday.

Westbury Country Market opened on May 10, 1985, in All Saints Church hall in Maristow Street, where it has remained since.

The market, which is organised by 12 volunteers, was started by the Westbury Women’s Institute and became a country market six years ago, becoming independent of the WI to comply with charity regulations.

Mary Kneen, 66, of Nightingale Drive, Westbury, is the market’s manager.

She said: “The women wondered on the first morning of the first market whether they’d have enough customers, but even with the economic crisis we’re still going strong.

“There are so many people saying we need a weekly market in the town, but we’ve been here for 25 years. We’re always here – rain, shine, or even snow.

“A lot of people come here for the social aspect, to meet friends over a cup of tea and a cake.

“They know that the food is cooked fresh and has no additives or preservatives.”

The market, which sells clothing, jewellery, plants, preserves and cards as well as serving food and drink to customers, is one of 13 country markets in the county.

Margaret Hughes, who is chairman of Wiltshire Country Markets, puts its success down to the volunteers.

She said: “It’s been successful because it’s in a good area and the market has very willing workers.

“That’s why people come back time and time again.”

Founding member Lyn McGill, 60, of Chichester Park, Westbury, said: “I knew there were a few successful markets in Wiltshire and I thought we could be just as successful as them.

“People said it wouldn’t last very long but I hope it will still be here in another 25 years.”

New town mayor Cllr Christine Mitchell was delighted to sample the market’s cakes at her first civic event as mayor.

“It speaks for itself that it’s been here for 25 years,” she said.

“The people that organise the market put in a great deal of work and commitment and I think with their hard work it can be here for another quarter of a century.”

The market is open every Friday, except for Good Friday when it opens on Maundy Thursday, between 9.30-11.30am.