A two-week long campaign to encourage people to use their local market and boost town centre trade will soon be under way.

The regular Saturday and Tuesday markets in Framlingham are taking part in national Love Your Local Market (LYLM) fortnight. The initiative aims to attract new traders and also highlight the importance that markets play in the heart of their community, not only for retail but also as a valuable asset to provide a focal point for many centres.

The Framlingham markets - run by the town council - have 25 licence holders and also include a charity pitch on a Saturday, as well as a “young persons initiative” stall to encourage budding entrepreneurs.

Eileen Coe, clerk to the town council, said: “We want to highlight and celebrate how proud we are of our markets. We believe they help to increase footfall and bring extra business to the town, benefiting the local traders and complementing what’s already available. We try to cater for everybody. Saturday mornings are a real social occasion. People are shopping, wandering around and chatting, drinking coffee. They are spending money not just in the market but also in the shops on Market Hill. We feel it’s good for everybody.”

LYLM is run by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) and backed by the Government. The campaign starts in Framlingham on Saturday, with traders running a variety of special offers. There will also be a children’s colouring competition and music. Markets on May 21, 25 and 28 will also be taking part, along with Framlingham Country Market, in the United Free Church on Tuesday mornings, which will be offering free tea and coffee on May 21 and 28.

Visit www.framlingham.com for details.