NUNEATON’S street market has been voted the best in Britain.

The award was announced at an event arranged by the National Association of British Market Authorities, held at Birmingham Council House.

“It’s fantastic news,” said Stuart Tooby, chairman of the Nuneaton Market Traders Association.

“We are actually in the process of preparing some promotional banners - and now we will be able to declare that our market is officially No. 1.

“I am certainly going to put out the flags on my stall tomorrow.

"This award will really give us a boost to raise our profile. I’m sure it will also help to attract even more shoppers. It’s just what we wanted.”

Town centres manager Alan Ottey was at the NABMA conference to hear the result.

“There were 30-40 towns and cities in our category and I was surprised and delighted when Nuneaton was named in top spot as the best street market in Britain.

“It is very competitive and decided by a panel of judges from throughout the country.

"Street markets from Scotland to Penzance and across Wales and including those from big cities are judged and it is absolutely tremendous that Nuneaton is rated above them all.”

Mr Ottey added: “Praise must go to all our traders and everyone involved in making our markets so welcoming and attractive. We have received a glass trophy to mark the achievement and it will be paraded in the town tomorrow.

“The news was made even better with Bedworth also earning a commendation in the small market section.”

Nuneaton’s popular Saturday market features 150 stalls in the Market Place, Queens Road, Abbey Street, Bridge Street, Newdigate Square and Harefield Road, while there are usually about 110 on Wednesdays.

Bedworth’s smaller market takes place on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Council leader Marcus Jones said: “The fact that Nuneaton’s street market is now recognised as the best in the country is a great boost at a difficult time for traders.

"It already brings a lot of people into the town twice a week and is something we, as a council, are really proud of.

“The commendation for Bedworth is also worth praising, as that market is an important asset for the community.”