Outdoor market is named pick of the bunch in UK

The accolade comes after retail guru Mary Portas’s visit to the town, in which she noted what a “bustling, lively market” can do.

Ms Portas said at the time: “Markets are a growth area. These are wonderful stalls – the little electrical trader, the place where you can have your shoes mended.

“I have seen a lot of new traders and they have been grateful to Rotherham Council for actually getting behind them.”

Winners of the Market of the Year competition, organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities, were announced last week.

Coun Gerald Smith and Robin Lambert, general manager of Rotherham’s markets, collected the award for the best street or outdoor market.

Coun Smith said yesterday: “We knew following the Mary Portas visit that we had got things right in Rotherham but to be voted the best in the whole country is a significant honour and one that we are rightly proud of.”

Doncaster’s market was also recognised for the second year running, winning the award for Britain’s Favourite Market.

Mayor Peter Davies said: “The people have voted and this proves what many of us already knew – that Doncaster’s markets are Britain’s favourite.”