RICHMOND traders are to take themed markets to a new dimension as efforts continue to attract shoppers.

A farmers' market is now a monthly event in the cobbled market square, but stallholders from both regular outdoor and indoor markets have been working on other marketing strategies - and a Panto Market is one idea which may be developed in the run up to Christmas.

Deputy Mayor Stuart Parsons has already helped to test the water by dressing in drag during market hours. He said: "It was very interesting to see how different people reacted. Children, in particular, were curious enough to come up and talk. When I told them about the Panto Market idea they seemed very keen to get involved."