South Molton market wins award for second year in a row

A market in Devon has won an award for the second year in a row.

South Molton Pannier Market has won Best Community Market at the National Market Awards.

The market takes place twice a week and provides different items such as vegetables, cheese and books.

Mel James, the events and promotions manager, said the team was "absolutely elated" to win the award and will celebrate at an event at the market on Thursday.

It is open every week on Thursday and Saturday from 08:30 until 13:00 GMT.

Ms James said: "We have a happy bunch here and the community sees that everyone actually enjoys trading here, and it does create just a lovely atmosphere."

Lisa Tucker, a trader who runs a stall selling handmade children's clothes called Made by Lisa, said the market was "one big happy family".

She said: "You know if you have happy managers, happy traders, it's a happy market. I love it here."

Claudia Frewin has run the pet supplies stall at the market for six years.

She said: "You can come here for everything. Recently, we have acquired a stallholder who also sells milk, which is the last thing we were missing. You can basically do your shop here."

Jacqui Footman, Mayor of South Molton, added: "I am blown away by the success of the market, it is the most beautiful asset for the town.

"The team goes well beyond the call of duty, and the market being profitable means that we can plough the money back into the community, and in return, the community supports the market."

Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].