A TASTE of the Continent came to Durham yesterday.

The city's Market Place is hosting a Continental market until Sunday, featuring food from France, Germany, Slovakia and other nations, including German sausages, French bread and cheeses and produce from Baltic states.

Managing director of the Durham Markets Company, Colin Wilkes, said: "Hopefully, it brings more people into town. It is the constant attempt to attract more people.

"We want to encourage people to try the best of European and then go in the indoor market to try the best of local produce and compare.''

The touring market's manager, Bruce Cherry, of Wallsend, said it was a popular attraction and booked solidly during its nine-month run in Britain and Ireland.

It was officially opened yesterday by Durham's new Mayor, Bob Wynn.

Councillor Wynn said: "The Continental market is becoming an annual tradition in Durham, and I'm delighted to be welcoming stallholders to our city for what promises to be a busy weekend."

The market is open today and tomorrow, from 9am to 6pm, and on Sunday, between 10am and 4pm. It will return to the city in October.

On Sunday there will be a Continental market in Chester-le-Street's new-look market place, between 9am and 6pm.