A BREAKING of bread ceremony marked the opening of a French market in Durham City yesterday.

Present at the now traditional ceremony was the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Mary Hawgood, who wished the three days of trading well.

The market, which will run until tomorrow, is at two venues, in the Millennium Place and the Market Square.

The 24 stallholders are all from Normandy. They will be offering a host of French goods from freshly baked bread to cider.

A cheese lorry will be selling cheeses from all regions of France, in addition to Normandy.

There is also a charcuterie with sausages and salamies and the popular bread stall.

Other food items available include Normandy cider, smoked ham, Calvados saucisson, pate, sweets, honey, cakes and garlic.

For those with a sweet tooth there are farm-made jams, home-made apple and Calvados fondant cakes, and a crepes stall.

But there is more than just food products on offer to shoppers. Other items include lavender, handbags, wallets, wooden toys, French sweaters, wooden roses, tablecloths, and soft furnishings.

A highlight of the event will be a draw for a French hamper.