A BRAND new craft market selling a unique range of handmade products comes to Stockton’s Parish Gardens on Saturday.

Stockton Borough Council and the Mary Portas-backed Stockton Town Team have identified specialist markets and small independent shops as a way of breathing new life into the town centre.

The Makers’ Market will showcase the best in hand-crafted goods from kiln glass jewellery, bespoke candles, handcrafted textiles and delicious homemade cupcakes.

Traders will be on site in Parish Gardens, just off Stockton High Street, on Saturday 11 May from 10am to 4pm. Admission to the market is free.

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “We want to further boost the appeal of Stockton as a shopping destination, attracting visitors and shoppers into the town. “For the third year running we are bringing new and different markets to the town to complement what the traditional weekly market has to offer. The Makers’ Market celebrates all the creative talent we have in the Borough and gives crafters and small businesses the opportunity to sell their wares..”

For more information about the diverse programme of specialist markets coming to Stockton this year visit www.stockton.gov.uk/specialistmarkets The Makers’ Market will return to Stockton on 10 August. To book a stall at this event please contact Jenyfer Owen at Stockton council on (01642) 526473 or email jenyfer.owen@stockton.gov.uk