A community market has closed its doors for the final time after running for 40 years.

Pelhams Community Market at Kinson Community Centre closed last week (30/6), with residents saying it was the ‘end of an era’, as organisers were priced out of the community centre by rising rent costs.

The market opened for a final morning on Thursday June 30 and residents got together in support.

Speaking about the reason for the closure, resident Tracey Harman said: “My mum and I have been coming here for about five years, this space now costs 100 pounds to rent for two hours so it's just not viable.

“The other side of it is the lady that does the cakes and the pies has been doing it for 40 years and now she wants to retire so it's the next generation, my generation that needs to take over it but we’re all too busy because of the pressures of work and life and families.

“It's closing because of cost and a dwindling number of people who run it. I don't understand why this sort of thing can’t be subsided. It’s been great here, I’ve loved coming and I will sorely miss it.”

The market in Kinson sells a range of handmade items including, cards, plants, knitted items, jams and fresh meat.

There are also tables to have tea and coffee and socialise.

Around 50 people attended throughout the morning including regulars, many of whom have been coming for many years.

Resident Susan David said: “We’re really sad about it, it’s the lovely fresh produce and the social aspect, the lovely people as well.

“It’s so nice to keep the butchers and the plant stall and the small things going. We meet for a coffee, it's a social gathering, it gets people with disabilities out.

“This lady has just had her 90th birthday, everyone's celebrating, and it's the older generation that needs to be got out. This place is wonderful and it's a shame to lose it, it really is.”

A spokesperson for the organisers of the event said: “It’s sad, it's the end of an era, the end of the Country Market here today, but the community needs to watch this space and keep in touch with the centre.”