People in Whitehaven enjoyed cake, chocolate and beer as as they took in the stalls on offer at Whitehaven’s first traders’ market.

Market stalls filled St Nicholas’ Gardens with tummy-rumbling smells and ‘oohs’ of interest, and praise for the event was not hard to hear as people filled their bags with plenty of goodies for later.

Visiting the homemade jam and chutney stall, Juicy Jams and Saucy Secrets, Jo Reid enjoyed trying the tasters. She said: “Everything here is absolutely delicious, and dangerous to have in the house – they’re too tasty!”

Jo’s friend Lynn Templeton added: “We love the whole market, it’s fantastic! It’s great to see lovely local producers here and bringing people into the town.”

Also going into people’s bags were handmade chocolates by Xocolate, a Carlisle-based chocolatier.

Michelle Menhams of the firm said: “All chocolates, flavours, everything is created by me

“I even keep a pen and paper by my bed so that when I wake up at 2am, I can jot down the flavours I’ve just dreamt up!”

Ennerdale Brewery’s stall proved popular with shoppers. Trevor Gordon, who ran the stall, said: “It’s been going good – we’ve sold quite a few gift packs, which I’m pleased about. The whole market’s a really good idea.”

Copeland councillor Steve Morgan was spotted buying a caramel waffle from Blessing’s Bakery at the "outstandingly organised" event, and both he and baker Blessing Addey-Oldeide called the market "a really great event".

Stalls selling wax melts, potted herbs, Chinese teas and delicate jewellery were also kept busy, with visitors being drawn in by the delicious scents and twinkling beads.

The market was laid on by Whitehaven Town Council, and local trader Gerard Richardson helped to organise it.

Mr Richardson said: “It’s been a fabulous day. All stallholders have booked in for the next market we hold, and Whitehaven’s so fantastic, who wouldn’t want to trade here.”

Town councillors Edwin Dinsdale and Ryan Redmond also gave a helping hand in organising the market, and both felt it was ‘an absolutely brilliant’ event, and would love to build and expand on it for the future.