A CHRISTMAS market proved such a success that officials in Ferryhill are hoping to make it an annual event.

The market was organised for the first time this year by the town council and the Ferryhill 2000 committee.

The event included a craft fair at St Luke's Church hall. Every school in the town provided pupils for a carol concert, which attracted 750 people.

There was also a farmers' market and the event was rounded off with a performance by the Ferryhill Town Band and East Durham Choral Society.

Jamie Corrigan, executive officer of Ferryhill Town Council, said: "It was a great success. We had a lot of positive feedback.