SHOPPERS will be able to pick an early Christmas treat when the Continental Market returns to town this morning for four days.

The specialist market, which will be open between 9am and 5pm everyday until Saturday, is run in partnership with MAM Events Group, which also manages Darlington's Victorian Indoor Market.

Throughout the four-day market shoppers will be able to pick up a wide variety of goods from handcrafted gifts to fresh food and leather goods to tableware.

A spokeswoman for the Events Group said: "Here you will be able to taste mouth-watering cuisine from around the world and purchase one-off bespoke gifts ahead of the big day – so be sure not to miss out, as this will be the last time the Continental Market is in town until spring 2019.

"Whilst you are in town why not pop into the Indoor Market where you will be able to pre-order all of your Christmas meats, decorations and purchase wrapping ahead of December."