HUNDREDS of people braved the cold to visit a Burnley street which was transformed into festive market.

Stalls selling mulled wine, mince pies, cakes, bric-a-brac, burgers and hot dogs lined the pavements of St Matthew Street.

Around 300 people turned out to the third annual event which was set up by local traders to give something back to the community.

Everything sold at the stalls cost £1, apart from the cakes, and all the money raised is being donated to the Mayor’s charity Pendleside Hospice and local charities and organisations in Burnley and Padiham who support families.

Although a final amount has not yet been announced, traders hope to have raised £1,000 from the event.

The night, which ran from 6pm to 8pm, also had a special visit from Father Christmas.

Peter Harrison, who runs the Post Office in Coal Clough Lane and helped organise the event, said: “It was a fantastic success, the streets were packed with people despite the cold weather.

“This is the third time we have run the market and it seems to get bigger and better every year.

“The idea for the market came about after the traders in the area got together and decided that we would like to give something back to the customers who support us throughout the year.

“All the traders donate the items that are sold and then the money goes to charity.

“We wanted to make it affordable so everyone could join in. We decided to run it from 6pm to 8pm so that children could get involved in the event too.”

Trinity ward councillor Tony Martin, who helped at the event selling mince pies and mulled wine said: “It was a brilliant night, everyone really enjoyed themselves.

“It is a fantastic idea to have a Christmas market in the town. People travel miles to go to the markets in Manchester and Leeds so it is great to have something like this on the doorstep.

“Gazebos and tables for the event were leant by the council and police and PCSOs helped ensure it ran smoothly.”