WARRINGTON Market is top of the shops after clinching a national award for its campaign to promote what is on offer for shoppers.

The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) gave the market the best love your local market event for its campaign last May.

The fortnight saw Warrington Market arrange outdoor markets, a food festival, a vintage craft fair, history tours, a teenage market and a flash mob.

And the market was represented at the House of Commons with a replica Houses of Parliament cake created by the staff at Alison Loves to Bake.

Steve Pickering, market manager, said: “The main aim of the campaign was to create a buzz around Warrington Market and encourage start-up businesses to consider joining us.

“The outdoor markets and food festival worked brilliantly and really showcased our traders and local produce.

“We’re delighted with this award and already have plenty in the pipeline for 2014 so come and visit us.

“Every time we win an award it gives us the chance to highlight the awards of our traders.”

The president of NABMA, Clr Kevan Wainwright, presented the award to Mr Pickering, deputy leader of the council, Clr Mike Hannon and market traders.

Clr Mike Hannon added: “It shows how important the market is to us. We have had the markets for 100s of years and still have the fishmarket intact now.

“This national, high profile award is a true reflection of the hard work and commitment shown by staff and traders, and this is what makes our market such a success.”

The market is set to undergo a major transformation starting later this year to build a new market hall which will incorporate the former Boots building to give the market frontage on Bridge Street.

Steve Park, from Warrington & Co, said: “Any successful market brings footfall and vibrancy to a town centre and that’s what we are looking for in the Bridge Street regeneration.

“Having a market on Bridge Street will improve links for people to visit.”