Stallholders are set to restore Halstead’s reputation as a market town with the launch of a new, expanded monthly market tomorrow.

The town is allowed to operate a market by a medieval Royal Charter but the number of traders on Market Hill has dwindled over the years.

The new venture, planned for the third Saturday of each month, will see the town’s regular four stallholders joined by up to 13 more.

Mike Prince, of the Halstead Town Team, helped to bring the traders together by scouring markets in neighbouring towns.

He said: “It’s looking good. Hopefully, if we get the people there then we will attract more stall holders. Everyone’s raring to go.”

The market will start trading at about 9am and close at 3pm, on Saturday 21.

Stalls will include chutneys and jams, crafts, cheese and pies, aloe vera and bee products, artisan chocolate, fish, fruit and veg, eggs, baby clothes and jewellery.