Summer Market Spectacular, the biggest market in the North-East has ever witnessed , with 300 stalls selling all manner of goods, gets under way today. The Northen Echo has joined forces with traders to give readers a range of money off vouchers. David Roberts sets the scene.

TRADERS from across Europe will descend on a North-East town today for the biggest market in its history.

A German bakery, Polish delicatessen, Spanish paella sellers, French cheese stalls as well as Belgian waffle makers will be among the various stallholders making up the Flavours of Europe market, which is part of the Summer Market Spectacular.

The four-day event, which begins today, will see the continental stall-holders set up their stands in Blackwellgate.

More than 300 market stalls will fill the town centre during the event, which is Darlington's biggest street event.

In Bondgate, an Eco and Green Market, featuring environmentally friendly and fairtrade products will include a bra recycling stall, in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, as well as the Landmark Trust's stall, which will be giving away trees.

There will also be a range of can crushers available to buy, recycling bins and information and advice on energy efficiency, home composting and free light bulbs.

The National Market Traders' Federation is bringing its Making Markets Matter roadshow to the town for the event, with a range of stalls selling the best of British products on High Row, including china, household linen, books, shoes, cheese, toys and flowers.

The Making Markets Matter team will also provide prize giveaways to shoppers, face painting in the Covered Market, there will also be an inflatable voucher vault for people try their luck at winning prizes, and a shopping basket challenge, comparing market and supermarket prices.

In Northgate, the Pot Fair will be returning to the town, selling a range of ceramics, from crockery and teapots to figurines.

The regular Saturday and Monday general market stalls will be in West Row and Tubwell Row throughout the four-day event, as well as the Farmers' Market, selling a variety of locally produced meats, including buffalo burgers, as well as cheese, honey, cakes and pies.

The Craft Fair will also be in this area, featuring handmade products, such as knitwear, soaps, jewellery, paintings, soft furnishings and fabrics.

As well as the market stalls, a variety of street theatre and music will entertain shoppers at Joseph Pease Place, Blackwellgate and Skinnergate, and there will be a children's fair in the Market Square.

Councillor Bill Dixon, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for neighbourhood services and community safety, said: "The town will be buzzing with activity this weekend, we've never held anything like this before.

"There's going to be a lot of different stalls and produce for people to come and browse, and the entertainment and music will ensure there's something for everyone to enjoy.

"It will be a real festival atmosphere."