SALISBURY'S market has been named the best of its kind in the UK.

The twice-weekly event won the best large community market category at the British market of the year awards in Birmingham yesterday.

Presenting the awards, high streets minister Andrew Percy said: “Markets are a vital part of Britain’s bustling high streets.

"They are a platform for entrepreneurs, support our local economies and are a central part of communities across the country.

“Salisbury charter market attracts tourism to the city and boosts local businesses and I’d like to congratulate them on their well deserved award.”

The market has been running since 1227, making it 790 years old this year.

The city council says it attracts over 80 stalls selling all manner of goods from fresh meat, fish and fruit and vegetables, to clothes, jewellery, crafts, and household goods.

Salisbury city council leader Andrew Roberts said: “This is a fantastic result for our charter market and indeed the city.

"The charter market is a very important part of Salisbury and its local economy.

"I would like to thank the traders who turn out in all weathers and make our market so successful and of course the team at Salisbury City Council for all their hard work.

"This award shows how markets can thrive with the right blend of tradition and innovation, backed by investment from the market authority.

"With this approach I am sure that ours will thrive for many years to come.”

Stallholder and city councillor Ian Tomes said: "Some of these awards aren't worth the paper they're written on.

"What really matters is the number of customers that come to the market and the amount of enjoyment they get from it.

"Salisbury is a lovely market and on a nice day you can't beat being there, but the reality is its not as busy as it use to be and that's a real shame."

The category winners were:

Britain’s Favourite Market – Leeds Kirkgate Market

Best Love Your Local Market Event – Cambridge Market, Cambridge

Best Large Indoor Market – Burnley Market Hall, Lancashire

Best Large Outdoor Market – Loughborough Retail Markets, Leicestershire

Best Small Indoor Market – Tooting Market, Wandsworth, London

Best Small Outdoor Market – Skipton Market, North Yorkshire

Best Large Community Market – Salisbury Charter Market

Best Small Community/ Parish Market – Forest Row Village Market, East Sussex

Best Large Speciality Market – Exeter Christmas Market, Devon

Best Small Speciality Market – Bridgnorth Christmas Lighting Up Event, Shropshire

Best Wholesale Market – New Smithfield Wholesale Market, Manchester

Best Food Market – Bolton Food and Drink Festival, Greater Manchester

Best Market Attraction Market – St George’s Market, Belfast, Northern Ireland