A MARKET in Bedale yesterday was hit by the aftermath of bad bank holiday weather.

The event, with additional stalls, was the first step towards what local people hope will become an annual event to mark the granting of the town's market charter by Henry III in 1251.

It was suggested by Bedale Town Council, which took over the market from Hambleton District Council last year.

The council hoped that the event would have 19 stalls but there were only 11 after it was found that some traders who were expected to attend had been hit by bad weather at Thirsk market on Monday.

Market superintendent Ken Billings said: "Thirsk market was the worst it has ever been, wet, windy and cold. One trader who was coming to Bedale had his stall blown away. Some had stock ruined and some could not get stock.

"The number of traders we had expected at Bedale did not materialise, but we were not too disappointed. There were no stalls on the bottom side of the market, but it was reasonably strong on the top side. We were reasonably happy with the way it turned out, considering the forecast."