Haverfordwest Farmers' Market is among the best in the country - and that's official.

The market was one of just four UK finalists in the National Farmers' Market of the Year 2009 run by the National Farmers Retail and Markets' Association (FARMA).

Haverfordwest was runner-up in the Certified Rural Farmers' Market of the Year, having previously the won the category in 2006. The winner this year is Brigg Farmers' Market in Lincolnshire.

The judges felt that Haverfordwest had many of the ingredients essential for an award-winning market; excellent food, friendly producers, lively atmosphere, an awareness of environmental issues, and a commitment to the local community.

Sue Thomson, quality standards manager at FARMA, said the market brought a 'real vibrancy' to the town.

"This thriving market is a pleasure to visit. It draws together the best the region can offer, from the hilltops to the coastline, to provide a vast range of delicious local produce," she said.

Kate Morgan, market manager and food officer for Pembrokeshire County Council, welcomed the award, saying: "We are all proud to maintain the quality of a true farmers' market."

She added: "And if you're planning a festive feast, make sure you visit three Christmas farmers' markets at Haverfordwest - and don't forget to place your Christmas orders."

Local producers will be selling farm-reared turkeys, free-range geese, ducks, wild boar and traditional meats, farmhouse cheeses, fresh vegetables, local preserves, wines, liqueurs, Christmas baking, and much more.

If you're stuck for gift ideas, treat your loved ones to a Christmas hamper or winter planted basket which will be on sale at many stalls - or have fun putting together your own!

The Christmas markets will be held at Riverside Shopping between 9 am and 3 pm on Friday, December 5, Friday 12, and Friday 19 - with carol singers from Portfield School at the market on December 12, and from Fenton CP School on December 19.

Shoppers can enter a free prize draw with a chance to win a Christmas hamper of farmers' market produce. Forms will be available from stallholders at each Christmas market, with the draw taking place on December 19.

Producers are holding an extra farmers' market in Haverfordwest on Tuesday, December 23, to enable customers to pick up their festive produce as fresh as possible to Christmas day.

A wide range of Christmas produce is also available from Fishguard's Christmas Farmers' Markets on Saturdays, December 13 and 20, and Pembroke's Christmas Farmers' Market on Saturday, December 20.

Or why not drop into one of the many farm shops and delicatessens around the county, which have a wide variety of fresh, local food and drink.

Kate Morgan said buying local produce makes sense economically and ethically.

"Not only is fresh, quality produce great value for money, it's only travelled a handful of miles, and it tastes fantastic too," she said.