TOWN centre bosses are hoping a touch of continental European cuisine can help draw shoppers to Darlington.

After successful French markets in neighbouring towns, including Shildon, the borough's Town Centre Forum will be told on Thursday about plans to hold a similar event in Darlington.

A French market has been provisionally booked to take place from Friday to Monday, April 5 to 8, and it is hoped it could become an annual occasion.

In Shildon, the success of the French markets has led to regular visits from traders from across Europe.

Products on sale at the Darlington French market will include food, crafts and other items, with olives, bread, cheese, meats, fish, crepes, mustards, coffees and wines, all native to France, particularly the Normandy region, on offer.

Between 20 and 30 stalls are expected to form the market, which will run alongside the regular Saturday and Monday traders.

All existing indoor and outdoor market traders in Darlington have been consulted and feedback has been mostly positive, with only a few logistical problems needing to be addressed.

The French market traders will bring their own stalls, which they will erect and dismantle themselves, and there is no cost to the council involved in their visit.