A CEREMONY to mark the end of the second phase of a £575,000 scheme to revamp a market place is being held next week.

The redevelopment of Knaresborough market place is being carried out in three phases, and it is hoped the end product will restore the area to its former glory.

The market place is to be transformed - with new seating, pedestrian areas and block paving - and the latest milestone will be marked by a ceremony on Tuesday, attended by town mayor Jean Burdett, and local councillor Bill Hoult.

Councillor Hoult said: "The market cross might have seen some changes since the old gas light was removed in the early 1950s, but this work will see the market place definitely under the spotlight again.

"Like any major scheme of this nature, there was some concern voiced by those whose livelihoods depend on the market place and, of course, local residents.

"However, I am pleased to say that the first and second phases of the scheme have met with universal approval and plans for phase three are well under way."