The success of an online store which shows visitors into a virtual marketplace has led to the launch of the region's first internet farmers' market forum.

The store, marketestalls.com - boasting more than 60 `eStalls' - has enjoyed massive success since its creation a year ago and it has just been shortlisted for a North East Business Award for Internet Innovation.

Now, farmersmarketforum.co.uk has been created to allow the online community - including traders, shoppers and market organisers - to come together to swap advice and information.

Pamela Robson, creator of the forum which already has more than 50 registered members since launching earlier this month, said: "Since Market eStalls was launched, I've continuously received questions from traders and shoppers - some of which were quite bizarre. Someone asked me where they could find quail eggs for hatching.

"Before the forum, there wasn't really anywhere you could go for this sort of help.

"There is an official farmers' market website which has basic information, such as times and dates of events, but nothing that offers advice or a place for enthusiasts to interact."

The forum has received great feedback from users, along with stallholders of the sister site.

Zoe Walker, a user from Berkshire, said: "What a great website this is, us farmers' market types have needed something like this for ages."

Along with the forum, Ms Robson has recently set up a quarterly newsletter for members, stallholders and shoppers, providing them with the latest news.

Market eStalls sells anything from food, organic produce, gifts, speciality items and handmade goods. New stalls are being launched at a rate of at least two per week.

The website works by allowing sellers to rent a space or eStall for less than £1.75 per week.

Each eStall has space for descriptions, photos, background information, and links to websites or addresses where buyers can find the produce in the real world.

Buyers can place orders and pay directly on the site. "I'm really excited about the forum," said Ms Robson.

"Thousands of people either trade or shop at farmers' markets and this forum is a central point for the whole community.

"Hopefully, now, when I get asked things like `do you know anyone who could swap 200 round jam jars for hexagonal ones?' I can direct them to the forum where someone can answer.

"I would encourage anyone with an interest in farmers' markets to have a look and register."

For more information, visit www.farmersmarketforum.co.uk or email info@marketestalls.com.