A TOUCH of French flair came to Bishop Auckland's market place yesterday, as traders from Normandy set up stall.

The Marche de France joined regular traders at the town's Thursday market, bringing 17 stalls and hundreds of products.

It was the first time the French traders had come to the town and they will be there again all day today.

The two-day event was organised with Wear Valley District Council and proved popular with visitors who sampled a variety of mountain cheeses, wines, olives and garlic.

Martine Robert, of the Marche de France, said that the market had proved popular and she was hoping for even more visitors today.

"People are coming now," she said.

"There have been more this afternoon than in the morning, but tomorrow there will be even more, I hope."

Most of the goods are from Normandy, but there are also items from the Swiss Alps and all regions of France.

The market is open today from 9am until 5pm.