TRADERS and shoppers celebrated the 690th anniversary of a market at the weekend.

Stockton's old market is approaching 700 years in the business, and at the annual market fair on Saturday all 150 stalls took part in a fancy dress competition.

There were prizes on offer for the best-dressed stall or stall-holder, and street entertainers, face painters, balloon modellers, bouncy castle, children's rides, magicians and Punch and Judy kept children entertained.

The market's history can be traced back to 1310 when Bishop Beck of Durham granted a charter for a Wednesday market. Almost 700 years later it is still going strong, with markets taking place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a smaller market on Fridays.

Colin Watson, market manager for Stockton Borough Council, said: "Stockton market is always a lively place to be, but the fair creates a special atmosphere. Everyone gets involved."