Farmers from Normandy landed in Esher last weekend and although the meat was fine there were some fishy goings-on as thieves made off with 100 posters and two banners promoting the event.

Elmbridge councillor David Archer said the scale of disruption meant that children were unlikely to have been responsible but was baffled as to who may have wanted to sabotage the event.

Coun Archer said: "It isn't random but who could arguably be suffering enough to do this?"

Organisers also had to overcome the rain and a faulty oven that deprived the market of bread, but the event was still hailed as a great success - and there are already plans for more.

Jonathan Dunne, chairman of the Esher Business Guild (EBG) which organised the event, said: "The market was a great success and it should be repeated on a regular basis."

He condemned small-minded individuals who tried to disrupt the market by stealing the posters and banners.

Local businessman Peter Petersons from Mail Boxes Etc said: "I have never seen the pavements of the town so full of shoppers. It just goes to show that Esher is a vibrant town and a good place to do business and welcome shoppers."

EBG thanked Elmbridge Council, Surrey County Council and Surrey Police for making the event possible.

The EBG will meet this Thursday at 6.30pm in the Albert Arms to review the event and to plan future markets.

Local traders and residents are welcome to attend.

Anyone wishing to comment by email should contact darcher@elmbridge.gov.uk.