A series of new markets - including a winter one at Christmas, and continental stalls next month, are being planned at Aylsham.

The move is part of a raft of measures being tackled by the local Business and Enterprise Forum to increase trade, and accentuate its traditional role as a market town.

Forum chairman Deborah Blake said the Frost Fayre festival market, from November 29 to December 1 in a decorated marquee, would coincide with Aylsham's Christmas lights switch on - and it was hoped it would become an major annual winter event in north Norfolk.

A continental market, the first in the town, is planned for October 19 - featuring traders from France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Holland and Poland with products including biscuits, olives, nougat, cheeses, sausages, meats, bread, and freshly-made crepes.

The town already has weekly regular markets and monthly farmers markets but wants to stage more.

Mrs Blake said: 'We are looking for stallholders selling high-quality goods and food, food producers, craftsman and artists to complement the existing businesses in Aylsham. We also hope to have opportunities for other types of trades and performers.

'We want our markets to be a centre for creative and entrepreneurial talent in Norfolk, making Aylsham a market place of ideas. The markets will not just be about selling; you could bring an idea to market, showcase a design, demonstrate a skill, exchange knowledge or debate the latest news.'

There are plans to develop and expand farmers' market - a venture being handled by the town council.

The first of a number of extra one-off markets throughout the year, with the aim of implementing the markets on the fourth Saturday of each month, sees the first one being held this Saturday September 29,

For more information email deborah@boxesandbagsoffun.co.uk putting Aylsham Markets in subject box.