Thousands flocked to the opening of Barnoldswick’s new open air market.

Pendle Valley Markets will hold a market on the town square every Thursday and Saturday, with stalls selling everything from bedding to children’s clothes, fish and antiques.

Keith Mitchell, who runs the market along with Richard Milner, said: “There hasn’t been a market in Barnoldswick since the seventies and the town definitely needed one.

“It’s been in the planning for about nine months and I’m really pleased that it’s already proving a big hit.

“On our first day we had an extra 3,000 visitors to the town which was a fantastic boost for our local shops too.”

Pendle Council awarded Pendle Valley Markets a grant for £2,000 which will be used to promote the markets and the town itself.

The money came from the Pendle start-up grant scheme where businesses can get funding to help with costs of starting a new company.

Coun Paul White, who oversees Pendle’s economic growth and enterprise, said: “We were really pleased to give Pendle Valley Markets a start-up grant. It’s great to see ideas like this and we want to see people bringing more forward.

“A successful market will attract people to Barnoldswick and boost trade in our shops and cafes too.

“It’s an incredibly exciting initiative and shows we have some great forward thinking people out there wanting to improve our town centres.

“Barnoldswick is the ideal location for this and I’m delighted we’ve been able to support the town.”

As well as having the regular market days on Thursdays and Saturdays, Keith plans to run a farmer’s market, vintage and antique market and a Christmas market.

He added: “Once we’re more established I’ll be organising these extra market days once a month.

“I’m really excited about what the market could do to help the town. As word gets out more and more people will come to shop here and visit the area.

“I can’t believe how well they’ve gone so far. I’ve had lots of comments from shopkeepers who say they’ve been busier than ever.”

The cost for booking a stall is £30 for two days. There is a waiting list for Saturdays but some spaces are available for Thursdays.

“We’d really like to have more produce stalls as many are household items and clothes,” said Keith, who can be contacted on 07791 051 924 or k55mitch@gmail.com.

Anyone wanting to start a new business can apply for a grant from Pendle Council by calling (01282) 661688 or emailing imtiaz.shah@pendle.gov.uk.