A Norfolk town is hoping to increase the number of traders in its market place by providing a special offer for new stallholders to coincide with national Love Your Local Market fortnight.

Harleston Town Council will be charging £1 for a 10ft pitch to stallholders on the Market Place for the three Wednesdays during the period of the Love Your Local Market campaign between May 15-29.

The market is help every Wednesday and the town council, which operates the market, is using the campaign to try and bring more people into the town centre.

Town clerk Margot Harbour said three traders had so far come forward to take advantage of the special offer, selling jewellery, chillis and eco-lighting, but there was room for another three or four more at the market, which usually runs from 6am to 4pm.

She added existing stallholders would also be getting the same discounted rate for the two week period to ensure fairness. The council normally charges 60p per foot for stallholders.

There are currently 10 stalls operating at the market, including a greengrocer, fishmonger, card stall, flower and plant stall, tool and DIY stall and other traders selling bags, handbags and clothes.

A Wednesday market is believed to have been operating in Harleston since 1259 and there is also a farmers market in the town on the third Saturday of every month, which has over 20 stalls.

Mrs Harbour said: 'It is about trying to improve footfall and the goods on markets and promoting local traders. We have had three stallholders come forward so far.'

She added trade was starting to pick up at the market after the difficulties with the weather, which put off many customers.

To apply for a stall, phone 01379 854519.