A WORLD record attempt for the ‘most items auction in 24 hours’ is to be made in the battle to save Hatherleigh Market.

A group of farmers, local residents and market traders formed the Hatherleigh Community Market CIC at the end of October last year. The company has been running the Tuesday market ever since and has been leading the way in the fight for their rural livelihoods.

A spokesperson for Hatherleigh Community Market CIC said: “Hatherleigh, the smallest town in Devon, is in danger of loosing a thriving market that would be the envy of the rest of the country.”

The auction, to be held in the market on Tuesday, February 12, will attempt to get Hatherleigh into the Guinness Book of Records for the most lots sold in 24 hours. Local auctioneer Philip Pyle will preside over the auction and entertain the crowd. All the money raised form this event will go towards the company’s aim of saving the market.

Agriculture is the life blood of West Devon and a proposed housing development on the market site has been met with much opposition from local residents — with many saying it will ‘kill the town as an agricultural centre’.

The spokesperson added: “Hatherleigh will just become a commuter dormitory for Exeter and Plymouth, what we really need are local jobs and a vibrant rural economy. This development would cut the heart out of Hatherleigh. There are other potential sites for our housing needs, but only one market.”

Hatherleigh Community Market CIC are fundraising to buy the market site, reinstate the livestock auctions and run it as a viable business for the benefit of the community.

They are asking for people to donate lots and deliver them to the Tuesday Hatherleigh Pannier Market, or the Sunday car boot sale by Tuesday, February 5.

The auction will start at 10am on Tuesday, February 12.

For further details of how to donate or get involved visit www.hatherleighcommunitymarket.org