PEOPLE have been out and about trying out some of Darlington's newest eating establishments as the town's food festival gets underway.

The event got underway this morning, with more vendors expected to attend over the bank holiday weekend, when the Mish Mash music festival will also be taking place.

And the new-look covered market was also unveiled to members of the public for the first time.

READ MORE: Darlington market redevelopment: Traders have their say

The Victorian venue has been undergoing a refurbishment since the start of the year, with about half of the hall now taken over by street food stalls and seating.

David Shaul, digital media strategist for Market Asset Management (MAM), which runs the market, said: "It's been brilliant. There have been lots of people coming down for the intrigue and to enjoy something that's brand new, right in the heart of Darlington.

"I've spoken to several traders who are happy and there are lots of customers with smiling faces.

"It's been really good, it couldn't have gone much better.

"There's a lot of positivity. People have been saying they didn't know what to expect but people are surprised at the change this building has gone through."

The six new street food stalls at offer food from all over the world, from pizzas and burgers to Thai and Hungarian cuisine.

They are Manao Thai, The Yorkie Wrap Company, Fresco Street Pizza, Taste of Budapest, Spud Gun Loaded Fries and What’s Your Beef.

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