TALENTED cooks in kitchens in and around Ludlow and Tenbury Wells are using their culinary skills to fill a gap in the market for home-made products -- just like granny used to make.

From traditional cakes and pies to creamy bread and butter puddings, lasagnes and wholesome breads, buns and biscuits, these committed, traditional cooks create 'just the job' dishes for satisfying healthy appetites, writes Jen Green.

Forget about celebrity chefs and posh restaurants, these cooks have joined a co-operative specifically set up to sell top quality products, and wherever the local marketplace for these popular food emporiums is based, it's a dead cert early shoppers make a dash for the WI stall -- each one piled high with enough 'home made's' to send dedicated weight-watchers running for cover.

But don't be put off by the name, WI Country Markets is no longer part of the Women's Institute. Since 1995 it has been a non-profit making business in it's own right and anyone over 16, with something to sell that they have made themselves, can join in for a very small fee.

As well as their own market days, they run stalls at local Farmers' Markets and at agricultural shows, fairs and fetes across the Marches, south Shropshire and the Teme Valley.

Worcestershire-based national chairman of the scheme, Patricia Van Zyl, has been associated with the markets for 10 years. She explained the aims: "We are particularly careful not to undercut local producers when we go to Farmers' Markets, our prices are very reasonable and we have our own pricing formula. All members need to gain a basic food hygiene certificate and adhere to strict regulations," she added.

Stalls have been known to sell-out in 30 minutes, leaving many customers disappointed and, whatever the season for shopping, it is best to get in early for the pick of the products.

In this locality busy professionals regularly stock up on ready-made meals and food, traditional dishes are the most popular, although Red Dragon Pie -- a sort of cottage pie with chicken -- is high on the list, along with sticky toffee puddings, cheesecakes and trifles.

To be on the safe side, customers can order in advance and pick up on market day, repeat orders are a regular feature of the scheme. However, where Farmers' Markets concentrate on locally produced foods, WI Markets sell anything that members can make, including crafts, paintings and pottery. Most groups operate a nationwide home delivery service which is proving ideal for student offspring at college, or providing for a sick or elderly relative. Last year, this popular service delivered around 3,000 mixed packages nationwide: prices start at £5 and a minimum of two weeks notice is needed.

Whatever your shopping bag needs, make an early start and beat your way to the WI Country Market stall. Like Farmers' Markets, they are popping up like mushrooms across the country, destined to become the 'in-way' to shop for quality products.

It's all about hard working people and experienced individuals; from farmers' wives to pensioners, they work from home and together provide 'simply the best'.

Local WI Markets

l Ludlow on Saturdays from 8.30 until 11.30 am.

l Tenbury Wells Tuesdays at the Scout Hut between 9am and noon.

l Church Stretton Fridays 9 00 until 10.45am.

Further information WI Markets for buyers and sellers is available on www.wimarkets.co.uk or by calling 01189 394646.