A TEESDALE visitor centre is to open its doors for free to encourage people to shop at a local produce market.

Meet the Middletons, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, is waiving its entrance fee as it hosts its Very Merry Christmas Market on Saturday, December 10.

The market has been organised to support local food and craft producers and organisers hope it will bring more people into Middleton for their Christmas shopping.

Grace Wallace, general manager of Meet the Middletons, said: "Individual shops can offer so much more than the products you can find in the larger chains; they give you the opportunity to buy something different.

"Lots of the shops in Middleton and the stalls that we will have on the market sell local food and craft products, which will make ideal gifts for friends and family."

There will be an opportunity to meet Santa's wife, Mrs Claus, in her grotto, and craft activities for children.

There will also be an exhibition of a traditional Teesdale Christmas throughout December, beginning from Monday.

For more information call (01833) 640333.