FERRYHILL'S Christmas market might be switched to a Friday this year to avoid a clash with other events.

The Ferryhill 2000 committee, which organises the event, has identified Friday, November 28 as its preferred date.

Friday is the town's normal market day, but the committee is hoping to obtain permission to close Market Street for the day to accommodate the extra stalls.

Committee secretary Jamie Corrigan said: "The problem we had last year was there were a lot of other events around the region at that time, particularly on a Saturday.

"Although the craft fair people said the Ferryhill event was the best one of the year, a lot of them had already booked elsewhere and they were disappointed they could not attend. It was a similar story with the farmers' stalls because there were big events in North Shields and Durham on the Saturday."

Friday is also considered a more suitable day for schools to organise children to take part in the Christmas procession.

Mr Corrigan said: "We've got to make sure it's feasible to close Market Street, but providing the county give us the necessary sanctions we'll go ahead on that day."

The 2000 committee has also set the date of this year's Ferryhill Gala, which will be held on August 9 and 10.

Organisers are looking for more local acts, including bands, dance troops and martial arts groups, to perform on the stage.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Ferryhill Town Hall on (01740) 652157.