Shoppers are being urged to sample the wares on offer at South Shields market as the annual Love Your Local Market campaign gets underway.
The Borough is setting out its stall to mark the popular fortnight-long event which is taking place all over the country from May 17 to 31.
The campaign, now in its fifth year, champions the nation’s market culture and aims to boost visitor numbers.
South Shields Market Place has been remodelled recently as part of the £100m South Shields 365 regeneration scheme.
Councillor John Anglin, South Tyneside Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy, said: “South Shields’ proud tradition of market trading dates back more than two centuries and the Love Your Local Market campaign is a great opportunity to celebrate the role it occupies at the heart of our community.
“This year, we’ve got even more reason to celebrate, thanks to the fabulous enhancements we have made to our market place and the surrounding areas.
“It’s a wonderful, modern public space and I’d urge people to pop along to see the improvements for themselves.
“Our market has a special charm and there’s something for everyone – so come and support our traders during the next fortnight and beyond.”
The Market Place now features a canopy roof around the perimeter of the trading area and landscaping features, such as tree lined borders.
New stone benches feature part of a major public art project which will be installed in the Borough’s new cultural venue, The Word, National Centre for the Written Word.
Local writer Michael Chaplin has crafted Tyne Voyages, 20 fact-based stories about the crews and cargoes of ships which visited over the last 2,000 years. The benches are engraved with details of the ships’ cargoes and destinations.
South Shields’ market operates from 9am to 4pm on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays around the Old Town Hall and sells everything from fruit and veg to fabric and phones.
On Fridays, the flea market offers a selection of bric-a-brac, knick knacks and second hand bargains as well as general stalls.
For further information about South Shields’ market or for details on how to apply to become a market trader, visit www.southtyneside.info/market or call the Market Manager on 0191 4272057.
More details about the Love Your Local Market campaign are available at http://www.loveyourlocalmarket.gb.com/