MARKETS are showcasing all they have to offer as part of a national fortnight celebrating the benefits they bring to communities.

Starting in Durham’s Market Place between 4pm and 9pm today, the Full Moon Market brings some of the finest street food chefs from across the North-East into the heart of the city.

This is followed on Saturday by a retail market and the Craft in Durham market on Sunday.

Fairground rides will also be in place at Chester-le-Street market today and next Friday.

A number of traders are taking part in Love Your Local Market fortnight by offering incentives to customers, including Richy Gray of Denmark Foods who has traded all over the region since he was 14.

He said: “I’ve been doing it for so long now that I’m serving the sons and daughters of previous customers.

“I still enjoy it. It’s something different every day.

“If you put the hours in you get something out of it. Rewards come every day.”

Durham County Council oversees the management and operation of nine markets across the county and offers a range of support to help traders and encourage new visitors.

Councillor Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Markets are at the heart of many of our communities and provide a real boost to our local economy, so this fortnight of celebration is a great way for people to learn more about them and find out what they have to offer.”