IT'S a history lesson and a half...

These children from Faringdon Junior School helped to celebrate their town market's 800th birthday yesterday.

The market party kicked off a year of celebrations marking exactly eight centuries since King John granted Faringdon its market charter in the year 1218.

Yesterday's special edition farmers market also featured extra stalls and live entertainments.

Faringdon Town Council business co-ordinator Karen Roberts said: “2018 is going to be an exciting year for Faringdon.

“You might be forgiven for thinking this is a sleepy little place, but scratch the surface and you will find a characterful, quirky little town on the edge of the Cotswolds with thriving independent traders and great history."

The town council has also run a competition to design a flag to celebrate the 800th anniversary.

On Saturday, March 17, a special a Medieval-themed market is being held in the Market Square, and the town council has promised ‘a wide variety of stalls and entertainment to ensure a great day’.