Whitehaven market has relaunched in style.

The newly revamped layout of around 40 stalls drew in busy crowds looking to buy goods from cheese to candles, and from sweets to dog toys.

With a continental market, regular and new stall-holders, the area has been transformed with a £66,000 make-over financed by Whitehaven Town Council.

Norah Messenger said it was the first time she had taken a stall to showcase her business, Norah's Ark, which cares for pets when owners are on holiday.

She said: "It is a good opportunity to show people who you are and what you do. It is bringing life to the market.''

An official launch of the market place will take place on Saturday at 10.50am when the town crier, Rob Romano, will walk from the top of King Street to the Market Place before stating the Whitehaven Market Charter from 1672.

This will be followed by speeches from Whitehaven town mayor Raymond Gill and Copeland mayor Mike Starkie, following by a ribbon cutting.

Whitehaven Town Council has granted nearly £66,000 to redevelop the market which includes a back-to-back layout.

Mr Starkie said: “We are delighted to work with local stakeholders and the town council to make Whitehaven Market a thriving feature in the town again. This is an exciting opportunity not only for residents and visitors of the town, but also for local businesses and entrepreneurs looking to trade locally without additional rental commitments and start-up costs.

“It is wonderful to see excitement around the future of the market. I urge everyone to come along and support this event and help to promote the market as much as possible. We are also keen to hear from anyone who is interested in trading.’’

Coun Gill said “This is an exciting prospect for our town and borough. We have seen a steady decline in market stalls over the years, so the rejuvenation of the market is something the town council was extremely keen to be involved in and see through.’’

For more information about the market revamp or to enquire about trading visit The Whitehaven Market Facebook page, email whitehavenmarket@copeland.gov.uk or call 01946 593014.