SHOPPERS and traders have received a welcome boost with the news an artisan market will return to a Cheshire town on May 8.

Denise Valente, who organises the monthly Northwich Artisan Market event, said it was exciting to be back in Barons Quay and promised it would be the most safe and covid-secure market around.

She said: "We're still going to have our full covid-secure measures in place, just to make sure both our visitors and traders feel confident.

"We're taking it as seriously as we can and providing a safe environment for everyone.

"It will be great to be back in Northwich, with all the shops open and to see all our customers again."

Ms Valente went on to say how Market Co, which also holds a similar market in Wilmslow, was actually going over and above what was required, safety-wise.

"We've actually created our own Covid-secure measures.

"Out of all outdoor market events, I'd say we're probably the strictest one.

"We're in Barons Quay too which is obviously a big open space, so there's plenty of room for people to pass by and maintain social distancing.

"We've also halved the number of traders so that each one has their own three metre by three metre space.

"This means, stalls can be socially distanced from one another and also allows people to queue safely."

Despite the number of traders being halved, it is still expected that up to 70 will be at the first post-lockdown event, bringing the best in inspiring, seasonal and delicious goodies.

"The traders are all obviously very much looking forward to it," she added.

"It's been a long and very difficult year for lots of people."

The market will take place at Barons Quay on Saturday, May 8 between 10am-4pm.