THE ORGANISER of Rawtenstall’s first artisan Christmas market said the event was a big success.

Asif Farakhan Hayat, from Helmshore-based firm Artisan Events, said there was an ‘absolutely amazing atmosphere’ over the three evenings, which saw dozens of traders occupy the new town square.

And he is already looking forward to next year and the monthly markets on the same site starting in February.

He said: “There is nothing else of this magnitude in the Valley. All the stalls featured local, British products.

“It was great to see so many families and people enjoying themselves.”