News: Rotherham outdoor market is the best

The street market in Rotherham town centre has been named as Britain's Best Market by the country's leading markets organisation.

The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) awarded Rotherham first prize in the category of "Best Street / Outdoor Market" at their national awards ceremony held recently in Birmingham.

NABMA has successfully promoted the interests of its local authority members for over 80 years. The competition is important in raising the profile of individual markets and bringing media attention to winning markets.

Rotherham has been a successful market town for over 800 years - its original royal market charter was granted by King John in the year 1207. The outdoor market sees 44 quality stalls line Effingham Street every Tuesday.

Retail marketing consultant, Mary Portas, saw for herself how the bustling, lively market brings the town centre to life when she visited Rotherham last September.

Robin Lambert, general manager of the markets, said: "The market attracts traders from across the region and beyond and offers a range of quality goods at great prices.

"The market gives shoppers a great reason to Shop Local and the comparably high number of visitors in the town centre on street market day gives the town a real buzz.

"I'd encourage anyone who's not visited before to give our award winning market and sample the great value fresh food, clothing & accessories, electricals, textiles and home-ware."

Cllr Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Economic Growth and Prosperity, added: "We knew following the Mary Portas visit that we had got things right in Rotherham but to be voted the best in the whole country is a significant honour and one that we are rightly proud of.

"A great deal is being done to ensure that Rotherham is an attractive place for all shoppers and this significant award should go even further to attracting people to this wonderful town."

Rotherham town centre website

Images: NABMA