AN unusual building in the heart of Durham is to take on new life as a weekly antiques market to rival London's Portobello Road.

The Vane Tempest Hall has had a chequered history dating back to the 1860s. It has been home to a number of army units and even doubled as a smallpox hospital.

The hall, the only surviving militia building of its kind in the county, will now house regular Saturday sales.

Furniture restorers Malcolm McNicholas and Colin Elliott, who are launching the venture, believe Durham's first Antiques Flea Market will attract interest from all over the region. Mr Elliott has a furniture restoration workshop at the barracks and both he and Mr McNicholas want to provide a permanent platform for antique bargains.

The pair believe the venue is perfect for all variety of goods including Victoriana, militaria, jewellery, kitchen paraphernalia, toys, general furnishings, china and cards.

The pair are convinced the market will quickly prove as inviting an attraction as its Portobello Road counterpart.

Mr Elliott said: "We want to present a wide range of interesting furnishings and curios, give traders the chance to do business and provide the public with a wealth of expert advice."

The market is not just open to traders, if members of the pubic have items for sale they can pay for their own stall.

The first market is on Saturday. Traders can set up from 7am to 3pm and the market is open to the public between 8am and 3pm.

There are still some stalls available. In the first month stallholders will pay £10 for an unlimited space.

Telephone 07733 132680 or 07961 022639.