Budding market traders are being invited to sell their wares at a series of special Open Market days.

Anyone is welcome to set up on Fridays throughout the month for a fixed price of just £10 for 30ft/9m space.

It includes those thinking of becoming a market trader, those currently trading elsewhere or existing traders.

The Open Market days will be held in Great Yarmouth Market Place every Friday during October, from 9am to 3pm.

The trial is being run by Great Yarmouth Borough Council with the aim to bring new and developing traders on to the market, who will be actively encouraged to think about joining the existing traders on the Wednesday and Saturday, the main market days.

Council leader Graham Plant said one of the key projects the council is progressing under the Town Centre Masterplan is the improvement of the market.

He added: 'In the shorter term, the council continues to talk with the existing market traders, who recently asked the council to consider new ideas for how to encourage new traders onto the Market Place, on either a permanent or casual basis.

'Open Market days in October offer the opportunity for anyone to 'have a go' at trading on the Market Place for a fixed incentivised rate, to try new products or even try their hand at being a market trader. All kinds of stalls are welcome, including local produce, arts and crafts, and home baking.'

Last month this newspaper reported that by the end of the year, the two day market will be half the size it was last year, because so many stalls have gone.

It is hoped this new council scheme will help reverse that decline.

Traders are asked to book in advance to benefit from advanced publicity.

For more details and to book, contact Mandy Atkinson, the senior market officer, on 01493 846523 or email market@great-yarmouth.gov.uk

They are asked to bring their own tables and gazebo and arrive between 7.30am and 8.30am to set up.

All traders will require insurance. Those who do not have their own policy have the option of joining a joint policy offering cover for just £3 a day. Traders will be required to show a personal basic food hygiene certificate to sell certain goods.