Ross was first granted the right to hold a market in 1138 by King Stephen. This charter stimulated the economy of the town and attracted trade from the surrounding countryside. Later, during the reign of Edward I (1239 - 1307), Ross became a very important trading town on the main routes from Hereford, Monmouth and South Wales to London. During the reign of Elizabeth I it continued to thrive and a stone bridge at Wilton was built to replace the unreliable ferry crossing over the Wye and it remains the main gateway to the town.

Today, nearly a thousand years later, there is still a market in Ross. Twice a week – Thursdays and Saturdays – stallholders arrive from across the area, setting up there stalls, a scene little changed over the course of the millenium. There is a companionable buzz and vitality on market day, bringing many shoppers into the town. The Gazette chatted to some customers at a recent Thursday market and they were unanimous in their thoughts: The products are better, fresher and cheaper. "And you always get a bit of a banter too."

Dave Nellist sells eggs and plants at the market and has been coming for nearly 19 years. He would be hard to miss in his ever-present hat and huge smile. Though being a stall holder can be tough on occasions – "especially in the winter, when we are chipping ice off in the mornings," he loves it. "I love the people. It's the people I come for. They come from the shops bringing us cups of tea." But it is, he observes, getting harder to make a living. When he first started he couldn't get onto the market place because it was so packed with other traders. Today, a few more stalls would be welcome. Yet there is a good bond between the traders. "We look after each other, through thick and thin. And you get to know all the people in Ross."

Mark House has been selling traditional farm house cheese at the market for 14 years. As the Gazette is talking to him a customer comes up to buy some of his favourite Colston Barnet cheese and said: "You get no processed rubbish here. It's proper cheese and far superior." On this Thursday morning Mark has over 70 different cheeses on display including some familiars like Stinking Bishop and Hereford Hop. "I have a good loyal and regular customer base here," said Mark. "I have built up a good local and loyal clientelle." And if you want a bit of advice on cheeses he's the man to ask.

Parking is an issue for all the stall holders. One of them, inbetween serving customers, has to nip off quickly and move his van. It is something he has to do several times over the course of the trading day. It is an annoyance and adds to the feeling that there isn't much support for the traders from the council.

Greengrocer Keith Chadwick is the new kid on the block – he's only been coming for four years. His stall is a riot of colour. A local landlady is doing her fruit and vegetable shop as we chat. She comes away with two carrier bags crammed full for just over £2 – and he carries it to the car for her. Why aren't you at the supermarket shopping, I ask? She looks at me incredulously and holds up her shopping. "I wouldn't get this for £2 in any supermarket, would I? And I wouldn't get the banter either." Keith does worry about the future of the market. "Once the markets go it will be impossible to resurrect them," he said. "Older people are loyal customers at the town's markets, but a younger generation need to use these stalls for the market to be a force in the future."

Tom, 25, is the flower man and one of the younger stall holders. He took over from his mum when he left school and has been coming to Ross for five years. He seems to have a steady stream of customers for his beautiful floral displays. "Over the last last four years it has gone down," he said. Yet he remains optimistic and is clear about what he can offer that supermarkets cannot: "good, quality flowers with expertise and care thrown in."

Mike Wheeler, aka Greenfingers, travels from Castlemoreton to his usual pitch. Like all the other stall holders his unique selling point is his knowledge of plants, expertise and freshness. "I have good regular customers and I offer good value. And I can give advice, where to plant and what seasons etc. Always good value and a good selection here. And," he adds, "there's always local gossip and local news. We just need local people to support us."

Matthew Calwood, 14, the youngest stallholder on the market, is following in his father and grandfather's footsteps. His stall is now in its twelfth month of success selling delicious and fresh home-made pies, pasties, quiche, scotch eggs and much more. He represents the future for stallholders.

Long may Ross market survive. All it needs are customers to continue to support it. You will get good, local, fresh produce, delivered with expertise and a ready smile and always time to chat.