CITY chiefs raised a glass of wine as a German festive market opened yesterday.

Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Jim Scott and council leader Bob Symonds opened the German Christmas market in Sunderland's recently refurbished Market Square.

The attraction is the fruit of Sunderland's twinning with Essen, in Germany, and a delegation from Essen Marketing Group was at the launch.

Coun Symonds said: "This is an excellent opportunity to showcase Sunderland as a destination and to enjoy traditional German fare."

The market is open seven days a week until Sunday, December 19.