Maldon's famous town market is set to return in the autumn, offering around 15 stalls every Thursday from 9am until 1pm.

In March, Maldon District Council announced it was seeking a new operator for the town's weekly market. It sought individuals or organisations to take up the Market Charter, first issued by King Henry II in 1171, to "return a modern, sustainable, and thriving market to the town".

Suffolk Market Events, which runs farmer's markets throughout East Anglia, has been awarded the contract. The first market will take place on October 12.

Maldon Market will continue to be based in Butt Lane Car Park just behind Maldon High Street, which the council says provides excellent access for traders and customers. Stalls will include a range of food, plants, clothing, homewares and accessories.

Terry Frost, Maldon Market stall holder for 43 years, said: "Maldon's friendly and loyal customers make this an excellent opportunity for a new operator to bring an improved offer to our historic Market Town. I look forward to working with them."

The council has received from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which it wants to "invest in our future Market offer". The Fund aims to "improve pride in place" and "increase life chances across the UK". It is hoped it will support local businesses, people and skills.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Market Events said: "We aim to give lots of local businesses the opportunity to trade on a regular basis and, with really fair pitch fees, we are seriously sticking to our core values."

According to the council, the 1,000-year-old market town's visitor economy is £220 million, twice that of the Essex average.

Currently, Suffolk Market Events is seeking traders. For more information on how to book a stall, get in touch via email.

More to follow.

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