TRADERS and shoppers flocked to a market held in a York town for the first time.

Haxby market was filled with 25 stalls, with traders bringing extra stock to cope with demand.

Market manager Ken Cooper said the event had generated strong interest from Haxby residents as well as visitors from outside the town.

Its launch followed a successful campaign to negotiate with City of York Council around an ancient charter which was set by King Edward II in 1360.

It states no market may be set up within six and two-third miles from York city centre’s market.

“We’re getting quite a few enquiries from people outside York,” said Mr Cooper.

“I have been talking to traders and without exception they have been happy with the way things have gone. It’s been an A1 success.”

Haxby stalwart Eddie Benson, who has dedicated his life to working with young people in the area, officially opened the new market.

The produce and wares being sold on the stalls included fresh and smoked fish, pet food, cheese, fishing tackle, bread, sweets, alpine plants, greeting cards and wrapping paper, fruit and veg, aloe vera products, a locksmith and key cutter, home baking, hand made chocolates, homeware, fitted kitchens, helium balloons, computer games, haberdashery, handbags and costume jewellery.

City of York Council licensed Haxby market as an extension to York market in Newgate in the same way it licenses speciality markets, such as the continental market, that take place elsewhere in the city centre.

In its first year, Haxby Market will be able to run for 14 days in total – once a month, with a couple of extra days for bank holidays.

Mr Cooper said that he hoped that from June 2012 the market could become weekly, although markets that open for longer than 14 days per year have to be approved by a planning committee.