AN award-winning artisan market has won an extension to its three month trial after proving a ‘phenomenal success’ in Northwich.

The market has been held in the town centre on the second Saturday of each month since July.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) and Northwich Town Council have agreed to extend the trial for another three months.

Denise Valente, market organiser, said: “From our perspective this is great – it gives us the run-up to Christmas and gives Northwich a real flavour of the market.

“We’ve got lots of plans in place building up to our Christmas spectacular in December.”

The market has already grown from 76 stalls in July to 109 at the latest market on Saturday.

Denise said: “The Northwich Artisan Market has been absolutely phenomenal.

“The way we measure it is numbers on the high street on the day but more measurable is the impact on our traders and literally on all three markets about 99 per cent of traders sold out.

“From the traders’ perspective it’s one of the most spectacular of markets.”

Clr Herbert Manley, CWAC’s executive member for growth and innovation, said: “The feedback we have received so far is very positive, and the Artisan Market is attracting local shoppers and also people from further afield.”

Clr Bob Robinson, town mayor of Northwich, said: “The Artisan Market has brought vital life back the to town centre.

“The Artisan Market has attracted people from far and wide and I must thank the people of Northwich for the support they are giving to this event.

“While at the Artisan Market, I visited our own market traders who had concerns, but I know that we are addressing these issues so that they will also benefit from the increase in footfall to the town.”