Thousands of people flocked into Skipton on Sunday for the first of this year’s Christmas Markets.

Organisers say good weather and an increased number of coaches mean that initial footfall figures show numbers may have topped 20,000 for the first time.

Coaches came from as far away as Scotland, Birmingham and South Wales – and traders on the market and across the Town have reported brisk trading.

Skipton Town Council Chief Officer, Dave Parker, said: “We’ve been promoting the town heavily this year at travel and tourism events using our ‘Visit Skipton’ brand – and we’re delighted that this work has paid off with increased visitor numbers, something which can only be good for retailers in the Town and for our Market.

“The atmosphere in town was great and, judging from comments received from people re-joining their coaches at the end of the day, our visitors had a great time in Skipton. I’d like to thank our Town Centre Management staff who worked really long hours over the weekend – and to the Skipton Business Improvement District. Without their financial input, we couldn’t put this event on for our retailers.”

With street entertainment provided throughout the day, the event was finished with a very well-attended Torchlight Procession and carol service in the ground of Holy Trinity Church.

The event runs again next Sunday, starting at 10am.

Skipton High Street will be closed for the day, with diversions in place around the Town Centre. Overnight parking on the High Street setts will be suspended on the Saturday night – and the road will be closed from around 5am.

A fully managed coach drop off point is provided at Coach Street Car Park.

Skipton’s Christmas Market has once again featured in the list of the top ten favourite Christmas markets in the world, according to christmasmarkets.com

For more details of the event visit the Skipton Christmas Market Facebook page at www.facebook.com/skiptonchristmasmarket