Shoppers are being urged to shop local as Barrow Market stallholders battle the effects of a third lockdown.

Once again having to adapt to difficult conditions, a Facebook group set up over the Christmas period that offered a virtual alternative to Christmas markets has been repurposed as the Barrow Virtual Lockdown Market.

The virtual group allows for stallholders to post about the goods that they have for sale, and makes it easier to communicate with customers while they are not able to greet them face-to-face during the lockdown period.

Jacqui Armstrong, of Barrow Market, said: "It has been an incredibly difficult start to the new year.

"Our community has been amazing throughout 2020 and remained loyal and supported our local independent traders when they needed it most.

"I would like to say thank you on behalf of our traders who are extremely grateful for their custom.

"We have adapted our Barrow Market Virtual Christmas Facebook page into a Virtual Lockdown Facebook page to support all of our businesses in the market hall so they can continue to showcase their excellent products to their virtual customers.

"It's a convenient and easy way to keep up-to-date and in touch with our traders.

"Each lockdown gets that little bit tougher for businesses to survive and it really is crucial that we support our local market traders to get through these next few uncertain weeks or months.

"No one knows how long this will go on for.

"We are focusing on reopening the market when it is safe and we are looking forward to welcoming our traders and our community back in to our much loved market hall.

"Keep safe and well everyone and don't forget to shop local, independent businesses, thank you!"

To join the group, visit www.facebook.com/groups/661085981511006