A CHRISTMAS market is hoping to be 'bigger and better' as it is set to return for a second year.

Ribble Valley Council has proposed to deliver its second Christmas Market on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas between December 2 and December 16.

The council said the aim of the market is to bring visitors in and boost the local economy by encouraging visitors to spend money elsewhere in the borough.

Heather Barton, head of environmental health services, said: "We want to encourage people into the town and visit the market in conjunction with the Chamber of Trade.

"The speciality markets are more artisan. We will be promoting the sale of homemade products as part of the unique shopping experience.

"We hope this will encourage traders from across the borough and beyond to trade in a distinctly British market."

Last year market traders had to pay upwards of £40 to set up a stall or pitch.

This year traders could pay up to less than half the amount at £15.

Clitheroe market trader Eileen Ansar, who is a Pendle councillor, said: "It was a success last year. The only thing it lacked was advertising.

"Heather tried last year but only had a couple of weeks to do it.

"This year Heather has had more time to sort it out and has the backing of businesses and traders.

"I'm sure everyone will work together to make it bigger and better."

Cllr Joyce Holgate, who is one of the longest serving councillors in the Ribble Valley, said: "I hope that it's as big a success this year as it was last year.

"We need to attract more visitor to the Ribble Valley and Clitheroe is the place for them to come."